Balenciaga: Kering Names Martine Rose Creative Director
Kering and Balenciaga have entrusted the artistic direction of the House to a designer from its own brand. Martine Rose will take up her duties on November 16, 2026, and will be based in Paris.
A Designer Who Founded Her Eponymous Brand in 2007
The appointment was announced by Kering and Balenciaga in a press release published on November 6, 2026. Martine Rose will serve as Creative Director of the House, which was founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga in San Sebastián in 1917 and later established in Paris in 1937.
Since launching her eponymous brand in 2007, Martine Rose has developed a body of work that, according to the press release, is rooted in subcultures, music, questions of identity and the social codes of clothing. Her approach draws, according to the text, on the London art scene.
Apart from her own collections, she has worked as a collaborator and creative consultant for artists and brands, the group indicates.
Kering and Balenciaga Leaders Explain the Choice
Luca de Meo, Chief Executive Officer of Kering, stated that “her closeness to the new generation and her strong ties to culture bring a new dimension to the House.” He added that this appointment “reflects our ambition to keep Balenciaga at the forefront of innovation, creativity and culture.”
Gianfranco Gianangeli, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Balenciaga, highlighted the designer’s “ability to challenge conventions and reinvent silhouettes.” Martine Rose, for her part, stated: “I am committed to honoring this legacy and am delighted to write the next chapter of this rich and magnificent story.”
Balenciaga is one of the Houses of Kering, alongside Gucci, Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta, among others. The group, which employs 44,000 people, reported revenue of €14.7 billion in 2025.
