Gucci Enlists Valentino Designer As Its Next Creative Director

One of fashion’s most-watched roles has a new name: Sabato De Sarno. The 39-year-old has been appointed creative director at Gucci, stepping into the very large shoes of Alessandro Michele.

De Sarno has carved quite the name himself. In 2005, the Naples native took his baby steps in fashion at a job at Prada, before joining Dolce & Gabbana. Finally, he arrived at Valentino in 2009, where he worked his way up multiple positions to eventually oversee menswear and womenswear as Fashion Director.

As Gucci’s new creative director, De Sarno will lead the maison’s design studio and be charged with defining Gucci’s creative vision across men’s and women’s products, leather goods, accessories, and lifestyle items. He’ll report directly to Gucci’s president and CEO, Marco Bizzarri.

De Sarno will be the successor to Michele, who propelled the Italian luxury house into the favor of young consumers over the last eight years. Gucci has continuously been named the “hottest brand in the world,” thanks in large to Michele’s unique foresight.

Gucci’s president trusts that De Sarno’s wealth of industry wisdom and up-close experience with Italy’s most revered fashion houses have given him “a distinctive vision that will help write [Gucci’s] exciting next chapter.”

Reacting to his new title, De Sarno says he is “deeply honored” by the appointment.

“I am proud to join a House with such an extraordinary history and heritage, that over the years has been able to welcome and cherish values I believe in,” the new creative director continues. “I am touched and excited to contribute my creative vision for the brand.”

The first inkling of De Sarno’s creative vision for Gucci will appear at Milan Women’s Fashion Week in September 2023, where he will showcase his debut runway collection.

[via GQ and Paper Magazine, images via various sources]