Gucci Part Ways with Creative Director Sabato De Sarno

The renowned Italian luxury fashion house, Gucci, has confirmed that it is parting ways with its Creative Director, Sabato De Sarno, after just two years in the role. The announcement was made by Kering, the parent company of Gucci, though no specific reasons were provided for this unexpected departure.

Sabato De Sarno, 41, assumed the role of Creative Director in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience from prestigious brands such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino, where he had worked since 2009. His tenure at Gucci was marked by significant anticipation, but the company has decided to move forward without him.

As Gucci prepares for the upcoming Autumn/Winter 2025 collection, which is slated to be unveiled during the Milan Fashion Week at the end of February, the designs will now be presented by the Gucci design studio rather than De Sarno. This shift emphasizes a strategic change within the company as it navigates through challenging financial waters.

Recent reports indicate that Gucci has been experiencing a decline in revenue, contributing to Kering's overall financial struggles. In the third quarter of 2024, Kering reported a 16% drop in overall sales, totaling 3.79 billion euros, with Gucci's revenues plunging by 26% to 1.6 billion euros. This downturn has raised questions about the brand's direction and effectiveness in the current luxury market landscape.

While the search for De Sarno's successor is underway, Kering has stated that an announcement regarding the new appointment will be made in due course. The decision to part ways with De Sarno highlights the ongoing challenges faced by luxury brands in maintaining their market position amid evolving consumer preferences and economic pressures.