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In a surprising move in the fashion world, Sabato De Sarno is stepping down as the creative director of Gucci. The luxury giant, which is controlled by Kering, has confirmed that De Sarno, who only took the reins in 2023, will be leaving the brand. His departure follows a tenure that began with high hopes and a difficult task — carrying Gucci into the future while honouring its rich heritage.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to Sabato for his passion and dedication to Gucci,” Gucci CEO Stefano Cantino said in an official statement. “I sincerely appreciate the way he has honoured, with deep commitment, the craftsmanship and heritage of the brand.”
Meanwhile, De Sarno released a more reflective statement.
“There is no important project that happens without the passion, the head and the heart of extraordinary people,” he said. “To these I want to say: Always remember to smile. Because it is the measure of remaining yourself in front of every opportunity and every challenge. A thank you is perhaps not enough. But my smile today is for you.”
A Bold Vision, But a Challenging Reality
De Sarno’s appointment came on the heels of Alessandro Michele’s departure, and it was clear that De Sarno had a tough act to follow. The Naples-born designer, who honed his craft at Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino, entered Gucci with a clear vision: to breathe new life into the brand while moving away from the maximalist aesthetic that had become synonymous with Michele’s name.
In De Sarno’s first collections, we saw a return to Gucci’s more classic roots. Drawing inspiration from the sleek, sexy minimalism of Tom Ford’s tenure in the ’90s, De Sarno’s designs were sophisticated, alluring, and pared down. Yet, while many embraced his refined approach, critics felt the collections lacked the strong identity that had made Gucci under Michele a global sensation.
The Future of Gucci: Who Will Take Over?
While Kering has not announced a successor for De Sarno, the big question remains: who will lead Gucci into its next era? The fashion world is already abuzz with speculation about potential replacements, though for now, Gucci’s internal design team will step in to oversee the upcoming Fall/Winter 2025 collection, set to show in Milan on February 25.
It is unclear how much of the FW25 show will feature De Sarno’s work, leading many to wonder if the collection will see a dramatic shift in direction. With less than three weeks to go, Gucci’s future creative vision will soon unfold before our eyes.
What’s Next for De Sarno?
As for De Sarno, his next steps remain unclear. Having worked with Valentino and other luxury brands throughout his career, he may seek out new challenges or opportunities within the fashion industry. For now, though, it seems his time with Gucci has come to an end. Fashion insiders are eager to see what direction he will take in the coming months.
Gucci’s Legacy: A Fashion Powerhouse
Founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, the brand has always been a beacon of luxury and creativity. From its early days as a purveyor of high-end leather goods to its transformation into a global fashion force, Gucci has constantly reinvented itself while remaining true to its Italian roots. No matter who takes the helm next, Gucci’s legacy as a fashion powerhouse is undeniable.
The next chapter for the brand may hold unexpected twists, but one thing is certain: Gucci’s ability to remain relevant, innovative, and culturally influential will continue to be its greatest strength.
