His final collection will be presented by the design studio as the brand prepares for a new creative chapter.
Gucci has announced the departure of Sabato De Sarno, marking the end of his two-year tenure as creative director. His final collection for the house, Autumn/Winter 2025, will be presented by the Gucci design studio during Milan Fashion Week on February 25.
The news comes as Gucci continues to navigate a period of declining sales and brand repositioning. “I would like to express my deep gratitude to Sabato for his passion and dedication to Gucci. I sincerely appreciate how he honored Gucci’s craftsmanship and heritage with such commitment,” said Gucci CEO Stefano Cantino, who stepped into the role in October 2024.
De Sarno’s appointment in 2023 was a high-stakes shift for Gucci following the departure of Alessandro Michele, whose maximalist aesthetic had defined the brand’s identity for seven years. With a background in Valentino, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana, De Sarno introduced a pared-back, refined vision in contrast to Michele’s theatricality. “I want people to fall in love with Gucci again,” he said ahead of his debut show. However, his approach struggled to reignite commercial momentum, as Gucci faced mounting challenges amid a global luxury slowdown.
The brand’s financial performance has steadily declined, with third-quarter sales in 2024 dropping 25% to €1.64 billion, compounding earlier declines of 19% in Q2 and 18% in Q1. Gucci’s Q4 and full-year results are set to be released on February 11.
Kering has not yet named a successor but confirmed a new creative director will be announced in due time. “I sincerely thank Sabato for his loyalty and professionalism,” said Francesca Bellettini, deputy CEO of Kering. “I am proud of the work that has been done to further strengthen Gucci’s fundamentals. Stefano and the new artistic direction will continue to build on this and guide Gucci toward renewed fashion leadership and sustainable growth.”