
Gucci Taps Demna, Balenciaga's Creative Director, as New Designer
The great Gucci reset is here. On Wednesday, the Italian fashion house named Demna, the mononymic designer who transformed Balenciaga from a niche luxury house into one of the most provocative, boundary-breaking brands of the last decade, as its new artistic director. He will be in charge of women's wear, men's wear and accessories.
Gucci and Balenciaga are owned by Kering, the French conglomerate that also owns Saint Laurent, McQueen, Brioni and Bottega Veneta. A new designer for Balenciaga has not been announced.
'Gucci stands for fashion authority,' Stefano Cantino, the chief executive of Gucci, said. 'This is what we want to bring back.'
Demna will be the first 'star' designer with a proven track record in Gucci's 104-year history, a seeming acknowledgment of the crisis it has experienced over the last two years after an apparent attempt to recast itself as a timeless luxury brand. Revenue plunged 23 percent in 2024, and the Kering stock price has more than halved since 2023. (Gucci is by far the largest brand in the Kering stable.)
The appointment will add yet more turmoil to an already unsettled fashion world in which a record number of fashion companies have changed design heads in the last year. Half of Kering's brands alone will have new designers in 2025.
'We were looking for a strong and opinionated designer,' Mr. Cantino said. 'Demna is one of the few.' He brings with him not just design skills, Mr. Cantino said, but 'an understanding of contemporary culture, of what is luxury today and a deep understanding of the new generation.'
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Beloved Oregon Restaurant Chain, Bugatti's, Closes Its Last Location
Bugatti's Italian restaurant has developed a loyal following over the years. Its founder is one of the wealthiest people in Oregon, a former newspaper magnate. But now its last location has closed its doors after more than two decades in business. "Bugatti's Oregon City officially closed Sunday after 23 years," wrote Oregon Live on June 9. The restaurant chain's closure marked the end of its last location in the state, the site reported, saying it was a "local Italian chain owned by one of Oregon's wealthiest people." The final restaurant was in the Portland area. The restaurant announced it was closing in a Facebook post on June 5. "To our much-loved community of Oregon City: It is with sad hearts we announce Bugatti's is closing. The last day will be 6.8.2025," the chain wrote. "The reasons and struggles are many. We will be focusing on a busy last week and taking care of staff as best we can. We truly appreciate your patronage and support over the many years and consider our tenure a triumph. Thank you, Oregon City!!" On June 8, the restaurant posted on Facebook, "What a glorious send off for Bugatti's. All our guests came out in droves, our wonderful staff worked their tails off, and we were able to say goodbye to each other. What an incredible team. These are a talented bunch and any company would be lucky to have them. Lots of love to all." In 2024, the restaurant chain closed its other location, the original one. Willamette Week described that restaurant as a "stalwart of West Linn's dining scene for more than 30 years," and reported that the chain was owned by "industrialist Robert Pamplin Jr." The news site noted then that Pamplin was "better known for his ownership of Ross Island Sand & Gravel and for Pamplin Communications, which until earlier this year owned the Portland Tribune and 24 other Oregon newspapers." Customers declared their sadness on the restaurant's Facebook page. "Going to miss you so much Bugatti's you've been my family's special go-to restaurant my entire life. Thank you for so many amazing memories," wrote one. "This feels like waking up to family member passed away. Will definitely miss Bugatti's," wrote another person. A man wrote, "We wish all the employees the best moving forward. You were our go to spot for business lunches and you never disappointed. Our company execs really enjoyed coming to your restaurant. We also had some great date nights before heading to the movies. You will be missed."Beloved Oregon Restaurant Chain, Bugatti's, Closes Its Last Location first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 10, 2025

2 hours ago
Popular TikTok star leaves US after being detained
LAS VEGAS -- LAS VEGAS (AP) — Khaby Lame, the world's most popular TikTok personality with millions of followers, has left the U.S. after being detained by immigration agents in Las Vegas for allegedly overstaying his visa. The Senegalese-Italian influencer, whose legal name is Seringe Khabane Lame, was detained Friday at Harry Reid International Airport but was allowed to leave the country without a deportation order, a spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed in a statement. Lame arrived in the U.S. on April 30 and 'overstayed the terms of his visa,' the ICE spokesperson said. The Associated Press sent a message seeking comment Tuesday to the email address listed on Lame's Instagram account. He has not publicly commented on his detainment. His detainment and voluntary departure from the U.S. comes amid President Donald Trump's escalating crackdown on immigration, including raids in Los Angeles that sparked days of protests against ICE, as the president tests the bounds of his executive authority. A voluntary departure — which was granted to Lame — allows those facing removal from the U.S. to avoid a deportation order on their immigration record, which could prevent them from being allowed back into the U.S. for up to a decade. The 25-year-old rose to international fame during the pandemic without ever saying a word in his videos, which would show him reacting to absurdly complicated 'life hacks." He has over 162 million followers on TikTok alone. The Senegal-born influencer moved to Italy when he was an infant with his working class parents and has Italian citizenship. His internet fame quickly evolved. He signed a multi-year partnership with designer brand Hugo Boss in 2022. In January, he was appointed as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.


Vogue
3 hours ago
- Vogue
30+ Best Block Heel Sandals for Elegant Comfort
Looking for a classic sandal that's as chic as it is walkable? The best block heel sandals are the perfect in-between. Whether you're heading to a summer garden wedding, a city stroll, or just want something a bit more elevated for everyday wear, these styles will take you easily from day to night. Vogue's Favorite Block Heel Sandals: Block heel sandals instantly transport us back to the classic minimalism of the '90s—think Carolyn Bessette in a sleek black midi and barely-there leather sandals, or virtually every runway show from brands like Miu Miu, Jil Sander, and Chanel. Yet fashion houses in 2025 are still happily giving this shape the spotlight, from Balenciaga to Bottega Veneta, who've made it their own with distinct house code touches, like stud and buckle embellishments or an intrecciato lambskin footbed. For everyday sleek neutrals with a minimalist twist, look to brands like Emme Parsons, Ancient Greek Sandals, and Reformation for effortless yet versatile picks. If you're after an evening-ready pair, Gucci and Manolo Blahnik offer classic silhouettes that can be paired with just about any wedding guest dress (or other occasion-wear). The Row arguably makes our favorite luxury version for everyday, with strappy detailing and a jewel-like adornment. For fashion-forward interpretations, cool-girl labels like Martiniano, Lemaire, and deliver fresh, modern options. Here are the standout pairs worth adding to your cart.