Pierpaolo Piccioli is the new creative director at Balenciaga. After nearly a decade leading Valentino solo—and a year after his departure—he steps into a fresh chapter at one of fashion’s most closely watched houses. Effective 10 July, Piccioli brings his couture mastery and romanticism to the brand Demna reshaped with irony and edge. “What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating,” he says. “This gives me the chance to shape a different version of the maison, adding another chapter with its own story.” The creative director reshuffle is in full swing. Is Balenciaga entering its soft girl era?