The future of the Kering-owned brand is in question following the Italian designer's exit from Gucci, where he changed the image and failed to deliver commercial results.

Another chapter in <a href="https://lofficielusa.org/tags/gucci">Gucci</a>&rsquo;s history is coming to a close: Thursday morning, news came that <a href="https://lofficielusa.org/fashion/gucci-sabato-de-sarno-documentary">Sabato De Sarno</a> is stepping down as creative director from the Italian luxury brand.
He was <a href="https://lofficielusa.org/fashion/sabato-de-sarno-new-creative-director-of-gucci">appointed to the role in 2023</a>, and the Italian designer is now exiting the Kering-owned fashion brand after just two years. His departure comes just before Gucci&rsquo;s highly anticipated Fall/Winter 2025 show, which officially opens <a href="https://lofficielusa.org/tags/milanfashionweek">Milan Fashion Week</a> on February 25.
During his tenure, De Sarno sought to redefine Gucci&rsquo;s stylistic identity, steering the brand away from <a href="https://lofficielusa.org/fashion/alessandro-michele-facts-valentino-gucci">Alessandro Michele</a>&rsquo;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 Fran&ccedil;ois-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.

Gucci Spring/Summer 2025. Courtesy of Getty Images.

"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&rsquo;s co-ed Fall/Winter 2025 collection will be designed by the house&rsquo;s creative office. The Cruise 2026 collection remains on schedule for its May 15 show in Florence.
The game of musical chairs among luxury&rsquo;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. <a href="https://lofficielusa.org/fashion-week/dior-mens-fall-winter-2025-review">Kim Jones</a> has officially stepped down from his roles at <a href="https://lofficielusa.org/fashion/kim-jones-leaves-dior-men-legacy">Dior</a> and <a href="https://lofficielusa.org/fashion/kim-jones-exits-fendi">Fendi</a>, and uncertainty surrounds <a href="https://lofficielusa.org/fashion-week/loewe-mens-spring-summer-2025-fashion-show-review-images">Jonathan Anderson</a>, who will not be showing collections for either his eponymous label or Loewe this season. Some are hoping for a dramatic return from <a href="https://lofficielusa.org/fashion/pierpaolo-piccioli-and-valentino-end-25-year-partnership">Pierpaolo Piccioli</a>, while others are eyeing a surprise from <a href="https://lofficielusa.org/fashion/glenn-martens-maison-margiela-creative-director-diesel">John Galliano</a>. However, many eyes are on Hedi Slimane&mdash;having recently <a href="https://lofficielusa.org/fashion/hedi-slimane-leaves-celine-creative-director">exited Celine</a>, the French designer could be poised for a new challenge at the Italian house.

Sabato de Sarno at Gucci Spring/Summer 2025. Getty Images.

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

L'OFFICIEL USA March 2025 - Amanda Seyfried Cover 

L'OFFICIEL USA December 2024 - Julianne Moore Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA November 2024 - Salma Hayek Pinault Cover

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA October 2024 - Rupert Friend Cover

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA October 2024 - Joseph Quinn Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA September 2024 - Fall Fashion Cover Featuring Supermodel Sasha Pivovarova

L'OFFICIEL USA June 2024 - Nicole Kidman Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA June 2024 - Megan Thee Stallion Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA May 2024 - Jackson Wang Cover

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

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