Demna news and archive

Kering faces crossroads as Gucci’s identity crisis deepens

Following a disappointing quarter, Kering is under increasing pressure as its crown jewel, Gucci, struggles through a challenging transition. Industry analysts warn that the global luxury sector is entering a period of stagnation, and Gucci, once Kering’s fastest-growing brand, appears especially vulnerable. Gucci’s 25 percent drop in Q1 sales...

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Business|Opinion

Kering’s Gucci faces investor doubts after Demna appointment

Kering’s long-anticipated announcement of Demna as Gucci’s new artistic director was met with a tepid response from investors, falling short of the market confidence the luxury conglomerate had likely hoped for. Shares in Kering closed 10 percent lower on Friday, underscoring concerns that the appointment alone is not enough to signal a decisive...

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Fashion |Opinion

Demna’s unexpected move to Gucci: A new era for the Florentine house

The shock announcement on Thursday of Demna’s appointment at Gucci was a fashion marriage many did not see coming. After months of speculation about who would replace Sabato De Sarno—would it be Hedi Slimane, who had reportedly already gone real estate shopping in Milan, or another number two who had been flying under the radar, like the earlier...

Culture

Demna honoured with France’s Arts and Letters award

Balenciaga’s creative director, Demna, has been named a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, recognising his impact on fashion and culture. The award, presented by France’s Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, comes as Demna marks a decade at the house. The ceremony, attended by Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault and actress Isabelle...

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Fashion

At Paris Fashion Week Balenciaga gave us a sense of deja vu

When a shoulder is so bold it challenges convention, how can it be made bolder? When a silhouette is already so oversized, and the wearer appears shrunken in proportion, how can this be scaled up? Balenciaga's Spring Summer 2024 show made a resounding statement by embracing significantly more bolder and oversized propositions. Creative director...

Fashion

Balenciaga unarchives its Instagram posts

Balenciaga is back. On Instagram. The original executor of the Instagram fashion tabula rasa, or blank slate, Balenciaga has removed images and posts from its official account nearly every season, or at best after every launch, or anything newsworthy, over the past two years. Balenciaga first deleted all of its Instagram posts 15th July 2021....

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Fashion |Opinion

Did Demna re-set Balenciaga?

A clean white space devoid of décor except the canvas clad walls marked Balenciaga’s blank slate catwalk on Sunday during Paris fashion week. The show, despite its pared back surroundings, was held in the majestic halls of the Louvre. For all the talk of a brand re-set, Demna, Balenciaga’s artistic director, chose to forego the theatrics of...

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Fashion |Opinion

Balenciaga to focus on collections and heritage, not hype

Ahead of Paris fashion week, Balenciaga creative director Demna has let it be known the house will not seek to create buzz via controversy for its upcoming show, instead focusing on product, heritage and craftsmanship. After a series of high profile faux pas, from a campaign that featured children, props that included a Supreme Court ruling...

Culture

Balenciaga designs charity t-shirt to raise funds to rebuild Ukraine

Balenciaga is supporting the United24 platform for helping refugees. A charity t-shirt is available on its website of which 100 percent of the net profits will be donated to the humanitarian efforts for the Rebuild Ukraine direction. Costing 200 euros, the organic cotton tee features a Ukrainian flag on the front and a QR code on the back....

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Fashion

Fall 2022 Haute Couture round-up

It was back to business as usual at Paris haute couture, but some designers and houses offered a touch of modernity amongst a trade that continues to value traditional escapism for the elite. Armani Privé Showing his first couture show in over two years, Mr Armani stuck to the codes that have built his name and company into a global empire....

Fashion

Balenciaga to show in New York in May

Balenciaga is to show its resort collection in New York City on 21 May. The Kering-owned fashion house follows Bottega Veneta, Thom Browne and Alexander McQueen who all showed in the U.S. recently. Balenciaga’s AW22 show during Paris Fashion Week, which saw models battling to walk through a blizzard carrying their belongings, was one of the most...

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Fashion

Balenciaga's apocalyptic show is fashion's ode to resistance

Balenciaga’s apocalyptic set of a white rotund, where models walked against fierce winds and snow, the harshest of elements, profoundly reflected the world we are currently living in. Creative director Demna had considered cancelling Balenciaga’s AW22 presentation, questioning the usefulness of fashion in times of war and distress. The answer to...