Martine Rose named Balenciaga's new creative director

Balenciaga has appointed London-based designer Martine Rose as its creative director, the Kering-owned French fashion house confirmed on Friday. Rose takes over with immediate effect. She is the first woman to lead the house's creative direction in its nearly 110-year history.

The appointment came less than a day after Balenciaga said Pierpaolo Piccioli was leaving the role. Gianfranco Gianangeli, the house's president and chief executive, praised Rose as an extraordinary creative talent with a bold and distinctive vision. He said her willingness to challenge conventions and reshape silhouettes fits the spirit of innovation at Balenciaga.

The move is a homecoming for Rose. In 2015, then creative director Demna brought her in to help build the brand's menswear line. Over the next three years she helped shape the house's signature look of exaggerated proportions and oversized cuts.

Industry watchers had speculated about the appointment for weeks. Puck's Lauren Sherman was among the first to report it before it was confirmed.

Rose said the role was a privilege. She said she intended to honour the legacy of the talents who came before her and to write the next chapter of the house's story.

Rose launched her eponymous label in 2007. In March 2026 the label announced that, because of operational problems, it had decided to pause production of its Fall 2026 collection. Rose told WWD the decision was frustrating for her and her team, especially after a strong sales season, but said it was needed for the brand's long-term future.

Balenciaga has not said what the appointment means for Rose's own label. It is not yet known whether she will continue to run it.