Leadership Shakeup at Gucci: Sabato De Sarno Departs Before Major Runway Show
In a surprising development, Sabato De Sarno has stepped down as Gucci’s creative director just weeks before a pivotal co-ed runway show at Milan Fashion Week. Appointed in 2023 after a lengthy tenure at Valentino, De Sarno was tasked with revitalizing Gucci following Alessandro Michele’s successful period. He introduced a shift from Michele’s ornate designs to a more streamlined, practical aesthetic, aiming to attract a younger demographic.
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His debut collection drew inspiration from Milan’s Brera district, featuring tailored outerwear and sleek mini-dresses. Despite gaining attention from celebrities like Paul Mescal and Bad Bunny, Gucci experienced a 25% decline in sales during the third quarter of 2024, following a 21% drop earlier that year.
In his departure announcement, De Sarno acknowledged his colleagues, emphasizing the importance of passion and authenticity in creative endeavors. Gucci’s CEO Stefano Cantino and Kering’s deputy CEO Francesca Bellettini expressed gratitude for De Sarno’s contributions and indicated plans for future leadership. The upcoming Milan Fashion Week show will proceed under the direction of Gucci’s in-house design team.
This leadership change at Gucci highlights the broader challenges within the fashion industry, as brands strive to balance creative innovation with commercial viability. The forthcoming Milan showcase will be a critical moment for Gucci as it navigates this transition and sets the stage for its future direction.
