British-Jamaican designer Martine Rose is officially taking over Pierpaolo Piccioli’s role as creative director at Balenciaga. Piccoli served as Balenciaga’s creative director since July 2025, following a 25-year stint at Valentino. Parent company Kering announced Piccoli’s exit on November 5.
This marks the first time a woman has led the brand in the fashion house’s 109-year history, and the second time a Black woman has led a European-based fashion house.
Just last year, British-Jamaican designer Grace Wales Bonner became Hermès’ Menswear Creative Director, and Rachel Scott became the creative director of Proenza Schouler.
Women of color are moving into powerful positions at established fashion houses, breaking the historic pattern of white male leadership.
Rose may not have mainstream fashion recognition, but she is a familiar face. She has a storied reputation among those in the know in the couture fashion world. British Vogue called her “one of the most unassuming yet profoundly respected British designers working today” in 2021. By then, she had gained recognition and collaborations with world-renowned artists like Drake, Rihanna, Timothée Chalamet, Kendrick Lamar, and more.
ELLE dipped lightly into her prior experience. “Born in South London, she launched her namesake menswear label in 2007, drawing on 1990s counterculture and youth scenes, hip-hop, reggae, and football.” Her individual designs and catwalks are philosophical in nature, redefining identity, subcultures, communities, and experiences tied to her upbringing.
Rose self-describes her work as “…innate authenticity and commitment to modernity [which] have helped to create collections that retain their underground cult credentials while achieving global success.”
Her experience in menswear brought her to Demna Gvasalia, who appointed her as a menswear consultant for Balenciaga from 2015 to 2018. This further launched her name in the broader fashion sphere.
British Vogue said to “layer wonkiness with togetherness and you get Martine Rose.”
It is 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.
Martine Rose in a statement following the news of her appointment as Balenciaga’s next Creative Director
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