Riccardo Raspa
Like his predecessor, De Sarno ‘s career was spent largely behind the scenes.
Kering has announced that Sabato De Sarno will be moving into the role vacated by Alessandro Michele at Gucci last November. Much like Michele when he stepped up at the Italian house seven years ago, De Sarno’s career has taken place largely behind-the-scenes up until this point, albeit at various different fashion houses. The newly minted creative director cut his teeth at Prada in 2005 before moving on to Dolce & Gabbana and finally joining Valentino in 2009. During his tenure at the latter, he rose up through the ranks to become fashion director, overseeing both men’s and women’s RTW collections and working closely with Pierpaolo Piccioli. He is due to present his first Gucci collection in September during Milan Fashion Week.
“I am delighted that Sabato will join Gucci as the house’s new creative director, one of the most influential roles in the luxury industry,” Marco Bizzarri, president and CEO of Gucci, commented in a statement. “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 capitalising on its rich heritage.”
The industry will inevitably be waiting with bated breath to see how, exactly, De Sarno’s vision for the house plays out. After taking control of the brand’s direction in 2015, Michele’s reimagining of the Gucci aesthetic quadrupled revenues to a cool €10 billion, although the label has lagged behind competitors such as Louis Vuitton and Dior financially in recent years. “I am deeply honoured to take on the role as creative director of Gucci,” De Sarno said. “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 continue my vision for the brand.”
