Kering and Gucci announced the appointment of Demna as the House’s new artistic director, starting early July 2025. Demna, artistic director of Balenciaga since 2015, has redefined modern luxury, earning global recognition and cementing his authority in the industry.

“Demna's contribution to the industry, to Balenciaga, and the Group's success has been tremendous," stated François-Henri Pinault, chairman & Ceo of Kering. "His creative power is exactly what Gucci needs. As I thank him for everything he has accomplished over the past 10 years, I look forward to seeing him shape Gucci’s new artistic direction.”

“Demna’s profound understanding of contemporary culture, coupled with his extensive experience in conceiving visionary projects, has established him as one of the most influential and accomplished creatives of his generation," said Francesca Bellettini, Kering deputy Ceo in charge of Brand Development. "His appointment as Artistic Director is the perfect catalyst to reignite Gucci’s creative energy. I look forward to the collaboration of Demna and Stefano as they lead Gucci into a new era of success.”

“I have always admired Demna's creative approach, that is both unique and powerful," commented Stefano Cantino, Ceo of Gucci. "His ability to honor the iconic legacy of a brand while embracing a modern sensibility is extraordinary. With Gucci’s strengthened foundations as a springboard, Demna will lead the House towards renewed fashion authority and enduring cultural relevance.”

Demna was born in Sukhumi, Georgia, on March 25, 1981, to a Georgian father and a Russian mother. His family fled the civil war there in 1993 to Tbilisi. In 2001, he graduated from Tbilisi State University with a degree in International Economics and that same year, immigrated to Düsseldorf, Germany, with his parents. After nurturing a fervent interest in dressmaking for years, he finally pursued his lifelong dream by enrolling in the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where he won the ITS Collection of the Year award in 2004, and graduated in 2006 with a Master’s Degree in Fashion Design. In 2014, after working at various Parisian fashion houses, Demna launched his label, Vetements. He was appointed artistic director of Balenciaga in October 2015, where he brought his garment-focused philosophy to the House while revitalizing the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga. Since 2017, Demna’s innovative approach has earned him International Ready-to-Wear Designer of the Year and Accessories Designer of the Year at the Fashion Awards, International Designer of the Year and International Women’s Designer of the Year at the CFDA Fashion Awards, a Leader of Change in Creativity by the British Fashion Council, and one of Time 100’s Most Influential People in the World.

“I am truly excited to join the Gucci family. It is an honor to contribute to a House that I deeply respect and have long admired. I look forward to writing together with Stefano and the whole team a new chapter of Gucci's amazing story,” concluded Demna.