All the Details on Creative Director Sabato De Sarno's Gucci Departure

Another chapter in Gucci’s history is coming to a close: Thursday morning, news came that Sabato De Sarno is stepping down as creative director from the Italian luxury brand.

He was appointed to the role in 2023, and the Italian designer is now exiting the Kering-owned fashion brand after just two years. His departure comes just before Gucci’s highly anticipated Fall/Winter 2025 show, which officially opens Milan Fashion Week on February 25.

During his tenure, De Sarno sought to redefine Gucci’s stylistic identity, steering the brand away from Alessandro Michele’s signature maximalism and embracing the quiet luxury movement. His vision prioritized understated, sophisticated fashion, but the shift failed to deliver the desired commercial results. Gucci saw a 30% drop in sales between 2023 and 2024, prompting Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault and Gucci CEO Stefano Cantino to worry. The parent company continued to see dismal numbers, including a nearly half drop in its operating income in 2024.

"There is no important project that happens without the passion, the head and the heart of extraordinary people. To these I want to say: Always remember to smile. Because it is the measure of remaining yourself in front of every opportunity and every challenge. A thank you is perhaps not enough. But my smile today is for you," De Sarno said in a press release.

"I would like to express my deep gratitude to Sabato for his passion and dedication to Gucci," Cantino said in an official statement. "I sincerely appreciate the way he has honored, with deep commitment, the craftsmanship and heritage of the brand." Gucci’s co-ed Fall/Winter 2025 collection will be designed by the house’s creative office. The Cruise 2026 collection remains on schedule for its May 15 show in Florence.

The game of musical chairs among luxury’s top creative directors continues, particularly within fashion labels owned by Kering and LVMH. Speculation is already swirling over who will take the reins at Gucci. Kim Jones has officially stepped down from his roles at Dior and Fendi, and uncertainty surrounds Jonathan Anderson, who will not be showing collections for either his eponymous label or Loewe this season. Some are hoping for a dramatic return from Pierpaolo Piccioli, while others are eyeing a surprise from John Galliano. However, many eyes are on Hedi Slimane—having recently exited Celine, the French designer could be poised for a new challenge at the Italian house.