Gucci announces departure of Sabato De Sarno just weeks before next Milan runway show

Gucci has announced that its creative director of under two years, Sabato De Sarno, has left the position just two and a half weeks before the next runway show.

The new collection will be created by the design team.

The abrupt announcement of De Sarno’s departure comes as Gucci prepares to open Milan Fashion Week with a combined womenswear and menswear collection on 25 February.

His replacement will be announced “in due time,’’ the statement said.

'Strong fundamentals' but poor sales

Gucci’s new CEO, Stefano Cantino, expressed gratitude for De Sarno’s focus on “Gucci’s craftsmanship and heritage,” while Kering deputy CEO Francesca Bellettini said he had “further strengthened Gucci’s fundamentals.”

De Sarno, 42, was named creative director of the storied Italian fashion house two years ago after the surprise departure of Alessandro Michele, who powered brand sales and owner Kering’s earnings with gender-fluid, eclectic and romantic collections that rewrote Gucci’s codes.

De Sarno’s tenure was marked by a return to more essential silhouettes and wardrobe basics that sought broader public appeal — but ultimately had disappointing sales. Kering earnings have been slipping, with third quarter revenues down 15% to €3.8 billion as Gucci revenue plunged 26% to €1.6 billion. Kering announces its full-year earnings next week.

The announcement comes amid a series of creative moves at major fashion houses, including the recent departure of Kim Jones as creative director of Dior's menswear collections.

It is worth pointing out that this is not the first time Gucci has taken a dramatic late-season creative shift.

The departure of Michele’s predecessor, Frida Giannini, was announced in January 2015 only as the fashion crowd arrived for the menswear runway preview. The new collection, headed by Michele as part of the Gucci team, was put together in a scant five days, and featured the then-dramatic pussy bow blouse for men as the new eclectic vision for Gucci took focus.