Fashion
Martine Rose Named the New Creative Director of Balenciaga
Kering has officially appointed British-Jamaican fashion designer Martine Rose as the new creative director of Balenciaga, succeeding Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently departed from the fashion house. Her appointment will take effect on November 16, 2026, and she will be based in Paris. Rose will also become the first woman to lead the creative direction of the 109-year-old fashion house.
Commenting on the appointment, Kering CEO Luca de Meo praised the designer’s creative vision and understanding of fashion and culture. “Balenciaga has always been a house of radical creativity, challenging conventions and redefining the boundaries of fashion. Martine Rose embodies this spirit with a fresh, fearless and deeply contemporary vision.” Adding that “her connection to the new generation and her instinctive understanding of culture bring a new dimension to the house. Her appointment reflects our ambition to keep Balenciaga at the forefront of innovation, creativity and culture.”
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Although this is her first time leading a major European fashion house, it is not her first time working with Balenciaga. In 2015, former creative director Demna appointed Rose as a consultant for the brand’s menswear line, a position she held until 2018 while continuing to develop her own label.
Rose founded her namesake brand in London in 2007, initially focusing on menswear. Her designs include pieces associated with British subcultures, including football, rave and reggae, with collections that combine sportswear, streetwear and tailoring. In 2022, she described her view of fashion, saying, “Fashion is fun. You should always continue to push the envelope.”
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Her designs have also led to collaborations with brands such as Nike, Supreme and Tommy Hilfiger. Several celebrities, including Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Timothée Chalamet and A$AP Rocky, have also worn her designs. In 2022, Kendrick Lamar shared his excitement about working with the designer after she created looks for his Big Steppers Tour, writing, “Bucket list to work with Martine Rose.”
Photo: Getty Images
Speaking about her new position, Rose described it as “a true privilege to be appointed creative director of Balenciaga, a house with an extraordinary heritage and a fearless creative spirit. Balenciaga has been shaped by remarkable creative talents before me. I am committed to honoring this legacy and look forward to creating the next chapter in this rich and beautiful story.” Under her creative direction, she will oversee the house’s womenswear, menswear and accessories collections.