What We Know About Sabato De Sarno, Gucci’s New Creative Director

Gucci has found Alessandro Michele’s successor. Sabato de Sarno will join the Italian fashion house as its creative director and unveil his first collection at the Milan Fashion Week in September.

Michele, who stepped down from his role as Gucci’s creative director after seven years, was known for redefining the brand’s aesthetic, adding gender-fluid silhouettes and taking a maximalist approach.

New designer at @gucci: Sabato de Sarno, latterly fashion director of Valentino, will be creative director for both women’s and men’s wear. First collection for women’s wear in September. Gonna be interesting.

— Vanessa Friedman (@VVFriedman) January 28, 2023

Taking over his new role, De Sarno will lead the House’s Design Studio reporting to Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci, with the responsibility of defining and expressing the label’s creative vision across the womenswear, menswear, leather goods, accessories and lifestyle collections.

“I am delighted that Sabato will join Gucci as the house’s new creative director, one of the most influential roles in the luxury experience,” said Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri.

Who is Gucci’s new creative director Sabato de Sarno?

An Italian raised in Naples, De Sarno’s past stints include Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. In 2009, the designer joined Valentino and paved his way upward to become the label’s fashion director. At Dolce & Gabbana, de Sarno was looking after women’s knitwear. During his impressive tenure at Velntino, he worked closely with Pier Paolo Piccioli and looked after the label’s ready-to-wear collections for both men and women.

On the announcement of his milestone appointment, De Sarno explained in a statement that he is honoured to take on the role of Creative Director at Gucci. “I am proud to join a House with such an extraordinary history and heritage that has been able to welcome and cherish values I believe in over the years. I am touched and excited to contribute my creative vision for the brand,” he adds.

Gucci’s upcoming womenswear Fall-Winter 2023-24 collection, which will be previewed next month in Milan, is being designed by the in-house team. De Sarno’s debut collection will be the Spring/Summer 2024 collection in September.

What will be the aim of the brand?

Like its competitors, Gucci’s goal is to become and stay a timeless luxury brand. To that effect, its recent campaign for Jackie 1961 has established the brand’s products as classic pieces worth investing in, as reported by The New York Times.

(Hero and feature image: Courtesy Instagram/Gucci)

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