Last Updated on September 22, 2023
Who is Sabato de Sarno, the brand new creative director for Gucci? De Sarno’s first ever show at the brand recently debuted at Milan Fashion Week, marking a new era for the iconic Italian designer label. Earlier this year it was announced that Alessandro Michele was departing Gucci after seven years at the helm of the brand. It came as a shock to many fans who loved his gender fluid, androgynous and glamorous designs, and who can forget his recent collaborations with adidas, Balenciaga and Harry Styles? But it’s a new day for the Kering brand and change isn’t always a bad thing.
Michele left Gucci at the end of 2022 after he was reportedly asked to creatively revamp the brand in a bid to increase sales. While he tripled Gucci’s revenue between 2015 and 2019, the brand was overshadowed by Saint Laurent, also owned by Kering, in recent years. Financial analysts at the brokerage firm Bernstein said at the time: “Gucci is suffering from brand fatigue and Alessandro Michele has been doing the same thing for the past seven years.”
Speaking about the decision to hire De Sarno, Marco Bizzarri, Gucci’s president and CEO, said: “Having worked with a number of Italy’s most renowned luxury fashion houses, he brings with him a vast and relevant experience.
“I am certain that through Sabato’s deep understanding and appreciation for Gucci’s unique legacy, he will lead our creative teams with a distinctive vision that will help write this exciting next chapter, reinforcing the House’s fashion authority while capitalizing on its rich heritage.”
But who is de Sarno? Here’s what you need to know. Next, read more about where to buy the best second hand Gucci handbags online and learn more about Gucci’s ethics and sustainability.
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Who is Sabato de Sarno?
De Sarno, 39, is an Italian designer, who was born in Naples. He started his career at Prada, before moving to Dolce & Gabbana and then becoming director of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear at Valentino. He worked his way up from head of knitwear for men and women, to becoming Perpaolo Piccoli’s “right-hand man“. It’s thought he worked Nicola Peltz’s custom couture wedding dress, which she wore in 2022 when she married Brooklyn Beckham.
His role at Gucci is his first as a creative director. When the news of his appointment was announced, he said: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role as creative director of Gucci. 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. I am touched and excited to contribute my creative vision for the brand.”
Who owns Gucci?
Gucci is owned by Kering after the French holding company purchased an $8.8 billion stake in Gucci back in 2004. Kering also owns Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen.
Before Kering, Gucci was owned by Investcorp after Maurizio Gucci sold his company stock to the company for $170 million in 1993. The Gucci family no longer has any involvement in the brand.
