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Gucci has a new creative director: Everything you need to know about Sabato de Sarno

"I'm proud, honoured, touched and excited."

January 30, 2023

Gucci has announced that Sabato De Sarno will be taking the reigns as creative director of the Italian fashion house. The designer has some big shoes to fill, his predecessor Alessandro Michele was regarded as the one of the most creative visionaries the house has ever seen. 

Michele managed to successfully launch the label into the modern age, making it relevant to Gen Z through its avant garde aesthetic and gaining ‘of the moment’ celebrity fans such as Harry Styles, Jared Leto and Dakota Johnson in the process. Michele was given major props from the industry for following Tom Ford and making his own mark on the label. 

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Valentino's Sabato De Sarno, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Gabriele Cusmano attending The Fashion Awards 2022 together

After stepping away last year the question on everyone’s lips was who could possibly replace him? It turns out they have found just the man for the job, Sabato De Sarno has an impressive CV and will be presenting his debut runway collection for Gucci at Milan Women’s Fashion Week in September 2023.

"Gucci and Kering are pleased to announce that Sabato De Sarno will assume the role of Creative Director for the House. In his new role, De Sarno will lead the House’s Design Studio reporting to Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci, with the responsibility for defining and expressing the House’s creative vision across the women’s, men’s, leather goods, accessories and lifestyle collections," Gucci explained in a statement on Saturday.

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Sabato De Sarno said, "I am deeply honored to take on the role as Creative Director of Gucci. 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 contribute my creative vision for the brand."

Who is Sabato De Sarno?

Sabato De Sarno is an Italian designer, and close friend and collaborator of Pierpaolo Piccioli. Before taking the job at Gucci he was on the team at Valentino for 12 years, taking the job there in 2009. At Valentino he oversaw the men’s and women’s ready-to-wear division. The Naples-born fashion industry veteran began his career at Prada, before moving over to Dolce & Gabbana. 

How old is Sabato De Sarno?

The new creative director of Gucci, Sabato De Sarno is 39 years old. 

What are Sabato de Sarno's hobbies?

Sabato de Sarno is an art lover. On his instagram he has posted many photos of art works and appears to be a huge Lucio Fontana fan. Back in October 2017 he attended the launch of the ad campaign film "Back To Work", sealing the artistic collaboration between Kaspersky Lab and artist Ben Eine.

Sabato De Sarno and artist Ben Eine photographed together in 2017

Who is Sabato de Sarno dating?

Sabato de Sarno has been with his partner for over 10 years. Although the couple is low-key they have posted photos of their union on Instagram

What is Sabato de Sarno's dog called?

Sabato de Sarno is also an animal lover, he owns a mini sausage dog called Pucchiacchella, which is the name of a Neapolitan pasta dish from his native region. 

What has been the reaction to Sabato De Sarno joining Gucci?

"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, explained in a statement, "Having worked with a number of Italy’s most renowned luxury fashion houses, he brings with him a vast and relevant experience. 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 capitalizing on its rich heritage."

"One hundred and two years after Guccio Gucci opened his first store in Florence, Gucci remains one of the most iconic, prominent and influential luxury houses in the world," explained François-Henri Pinault, Chairman & CEO of Kering (and husband of Salma Hayek,) In a statement he said, "With Sabato De Sarno at the creative helm, we are confident that the House will continue both to influence fashion and culture through highly desirable products and collections, and to bring a singular and contemporary perspective to modern luxury."

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