Kering-owned Gucci today announced the departure of Creative Director Sabato De Sarno, adding another challenge to the Italian luxury house’s ongoing struggles. The exit comes as Gucci reported a sharp 25% decline in third-quarter sales to 1.64 billion euros ($1.74 billion), forcing parent company Kering to issue its third consecutive profit warning. The disappointing performance of Gucci, Kering’s flagship brand, has significantly impacted the group’s financial outlook. De Sarno’s departure results in a notably brief tenure. He joined in 2023 from Valentino, where he previously directed both men’s and women’s fashion collections. His appointment followed the seven-year reign of Alessandro Michele, whose bold aesthetic had transformed Gucci's image and sales performance. The brand’s upcoming Fall/Winter 2025 presentation at Milan Fashion Week will now be handled by Gucci’s in-house design team, highlighting the abrupt nature of the transition. CEO Stefano Cantino on Gucci’s leadership shift In response to the leadership change, Gucci CEO Stefano Cantino acknowledged De Sarno’s contributions to maintaining the brand’s craftsmanship traditions. Kering’s Deputy CEO Francesca Bellettini expressed confidence in the brand’s future, indicating that a new creative director announcement would follow. The change in creative leadership comes at a crucial time for Gucci, as the broader luxury sector faces declining growth rates and shifting consumer preferences, particularly in key markets like China.
