One of fashion’s most notable job openings has officially been filled.
Sabato De Sarno will take on the role of creative director of Gucci, the Italian fashion house announced on Saturday.
In a statement, the 39-year-old Italian designer said he was honored to accept the position: “I am proud to be part of a house with such an extraordinary history and heritage, which over the years has been able to has been to welcome and nurture values I believe in. I am moved and excited to contribute my creative vision for the brand.”
Sarno has been in the industry for nearly two decades after starting his career at Prada in 2005. He later moved to Dolce & Gabbana and joined Valentino in 2009, eventually becoming the fashion director overseeing the men’s and women’s collections.
Gucci President and CEO, Marco Bizzarri, expressed his enthusiasm for the designer, saying: “Having worked with some of Italy’s most renowned luxury fashion houses, he brings extensive and relevant experience. I am confident that through Sabato’s deep understanding and appreciation of Gucci’s unique legacy, he will lead our creative teams with a distinctive vision that will help write this exciting next chapter, strengthening the house’s fashion authority and at the same time benefits from its rich heritage.”
In November, the fashion house announced that Alessandro Michele, creative director of Gucci since 2015, would step down. At the time, the brand did not share a reason for the change, but Michele said in a statement, “There are times when paths diverge because of the different perspectives each of us may have.”
Sarno debuts his first runway collection for Gucci during Women’s Fashion Week in Milan in September.
