MILAN (AP) — Informing the public of a last-minute alteration in the hierarchy, Gucci revealed on Thursday that its creative director of less than two years, Sabato De Sarno, has decided to step down from his role just a mere two and a half weeks before the upcoming runway show. Consequently, the responsibility of designing the new collection will fall upon the design team. This unforeseen announcement of De Sarno’s departure arrives as Gucci readies itself to kick off Milan Fashion Week with a joint presentation of womenswear and menswear collections on Feb. 25. The new replacement for De Sarno will be disclosed at a later date, as stated in the official release.
Expressing gratitude for De Sarno’s dedication to upholding “Gucci’s craftsmanship and heritage,” the newly appointed CEO of Gucci, Stefano Cantino, commended his efforts. Additionally, the deputy CEO of Kering, Francesca Bellettini, acknowledged De Sarno for further reinforcing the foundational principles of Gucci. At the age of 42, De Sarno assumed the role of creative director of the renowned Italian fashion house following the unexpected departure of Alessandro Michele, who significantly boosted brand sales and Kering’s profits with his gender-fluid, eclectic, and romantic interpretations that reshaped Gucci’s identity.
During De Sarno’s tenure, there was a noticeable shift towards more simplistic silhouettes and essential wardrobe staples, aiming to broaden the appeal to a wider audience; however, this strategy did not yield the desired sales results. Kering’s financial performance has been declining, with third-quarter revenues experiencing a 15% decrease to 3.8 billion euros, alongside a significant 26% drop in Gucci’s revenue to 1.6 billion euros. The complete earnings report for Kering is scheduled to be unveiled next week.
Gucci’s rich history as a luxury luggage and leather goods manufacturer established over a century ago in Florence has granted successive creative directors the freedom to interpret and redefine the brand’s essence, with Tom Ford’s sultry designs from the 1990s setting the stage for future creative endeavors.
This is not the first instance of Gucci undergoing a substantial creative transition towards the end of a season. The exit of Frida Giannini, Michele’s predecessor, was declared in January 2015, just as the fashion industry insiders began to gather for the menswear runway preview. The subsequent collection, overseen by Michele alongside the Gucci team, was rapidly assembled in a mere five days, showcasing the then-bold inclusion of the pussy bow blouse for men as the emblematic symbol of Gucci’s new eclectic vision.
De Sarno had previously held the position of fashion director at Valentino, where he supervised both men’s and women’s collections. Meanwhile, Alessandro Michele has since taken the helm as the creative director at Valentino, leaving
