Kering and Balenciaga announced Martine Rose as creative director, marking a new chapter in the House's creative evolution. Based in Paris, she will assume the role on November 16, 2026. Martine Rose brings a deep understanding of the House’s creative identity and a singular vision of contemporary culture. The decision follows the sudden departure of Pierpaolo Piccioli and marks a strategic, forward-thinking move for the brand.

Balenciaga's New Era: Kering's Official Announcement and Martine Rose’s Appointment

According to the official press release, Kering executives have expressed immense confidence in Rose's radical and contemporary vision. “Balenciaga has always been a House of radical creativity, challenging conventions and redefining the boundaries of fashion. Martine Rose embodies this spirit with a fresh, fearless and deeply contemporary vision. Her connection to the new generation and her instinctive understanding of culture bring a new dimension to the House. Her appointment reflects our ambition to keep Balenciaga at the forefront of innovation, creativity and culture,” said Luca de Meo, ceo of Kering.

“Martine Rose is an extraordinary creative talent with a bold and highly distinctive vision," added Gianfranco Gianangeli, president and ceo of Balenciaga. "Her ability to challenge conventions, reinvent silhouettes and bring an unexpected perspective to fashion resonates deeply with the spirit of innovation that defines Balenciaga. We are delighted to welcome her as Creative Director and look forward to this exciting new chapter for the House.”

Who is Martine Rose? The British Designer Shaping Contemporary Fashion

Martine Rose is a fashion designer whose work has fundamentally influenced the direction of contemporary fashion. Since establishing her eponymous label in 2007, Rose has developed a distinctive creative language rooted in subculture, music, identity, and the social codes of dress. Known for challenging established conventions of fashion and masculinity, her work occupies a singular position between underground culture and the international fashion establishment.

Rose’s creative vision is informed by London’s artistic landscape and its intersection of communities, generations and subcultures. Her approach to design is characterized by an instinctive understanding of proportion, silhouette and fabrication, alongside a considered exploration of gender, character and identity. Through the reinterpretation of familiar archetypes and everyday dress, she creates work that is both culturally resonant and progressive.

Her catwalks have become an extension of this philosophy, through the choice of physical spaces, her approach to casting, and her inclusive perception of beauty. Beyond her own collections, Rose is one of the industry’s most influential creative collaborators and consultants, having worked with some of the world’s most recognized artists and brands.

"It is a true privilege to be appointed creative director of Balenciaga, a House with an extraordinary heritage and a fearless creative spirit. Balenciaga has been shaped by remarkable creative talents before me. I am committed to honoring this legacy and look forward to creating the next chapter in this rich and beautiful story,” commented Martine Rose.