After Two Years, Sabato De Sarno & Gucci Part Ways

Sabato De Sarno and Gucci have called it quits. Hired as Gucci’s creative director in January 2023, De Sarno’s exit from the Italian fashion house was announced on February 6.

This was De Sarno’s first role as a creative director, he joined Gucci from Valentino where he was fashion director, overseeing both men’s and women’s collections. His CV also includes stints at Dolce & Gabbana and Prada, but he was a largely unknown name when he took the Gucci position. 

“I sincerely thank Sabato for his loyalty and professionalism. I am proud of the work that has been done to further strengthen Gucci’s fundamentals,” says Francesca Bellettini, Kering Deputy CEO in charge of Brand Development, in a statement. 

Across two years with Gucci, De Sarno brought a more minimal, refined vision to the brand compared to his predecessor Alessandro Michele. 

His more clean-cut, less logo-heavy designs reflected the larger fashion landscape. Michele had thrived during the luxury streetwear boom and De Sarno’s new era was indicative of a return to traditional luxury fashion.

Amidst a tough luxury climate, Gucci has seen a slump in revenue. In Kering’s third-quarter report of 2024, Gucci’s revenue had dropped by 25% year-over-year, while there was a 16% sales drop across Kering’s brand portfolio. 

Gucci is the French luxury group’s biggest revenue driver, so it will hope that a change in leadership sees an upturn in profits. 

“Stefano (Cantino, CEO of Gucci) and the new Artistic Direction will continue to build on this and to guide Gucci towards renewed fashion leadership and sustainable growth,” says Bellettini, the Kering Deputy CEO. However, there is no word yet on a successor for De Sarno.

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