De Sarno, Sabato (1983)

Sabato De Sarno, a designer from Naples, has been the Creative Director of Gucci since January 2023.

SABATO DE SARNO, CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF GUCCI SINCE 2023

After experiences at Prada, Dolce&Gabbana, and Valentino, De Sarno has been appointed by Gucci as the new Creative Director, replacing Alessandro Michele.

ORIGINS

Born in 1983, the fashion designer hails from Cicciano, in the metropolitan city of Naples. However, a job transfer for his father brought him to Como. Consequently, De Sarno had the chance to frequently visit Milan and immerse himself in the world of fashion, which he is passionate about. The beginning of his career was marked by the presentation of his final year projects at the fashion institute he attended, the Carlo Secoli Fashion Institute, where he was noticed by Prada.

THE BEGINNINGS AT PRADA, DOLCE&GABBANA, AND VALENTINO

He started at Prada in 2005, later designing knitwear for Dolce&Gabbana. In 2009, he moved to Valentino, becoming the right-hand man of Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli for 13 years. Here, he was able to hold increasingly prominent positions, until being appointed as Fashion Director, tasked with overseeing the men’s and women’s collections.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF GUCCI

In this role, De Sarno was preceded by: Dawn Mello (1989-1994), Tom Ford (1995-2004), Alessandra Facchinetti (2005), Frida Giannini (2006-2015), and Alessandro Michele (2015-2022). Two months after Michele’s departure from Gucci, De Sarno was named his successor. On the occasion of the announcement, the designer declared:

“I am deeply honored and proud to become a part of a maison with an extraordinary history and heritage, which over the years has known how to welcome and preserve values in which I believe. I am excited and thrilled to contribute to the brand through my creative vision.”

THE DEBUT WITH ANCORA AT MILAN FASHION WEEK 2023

Eight months after his appointment, the new Creative Director of Gucci showcased his first collection at Milan Fashion Week in September 2023. From the advertising campaign, he piqued the public’s curiosity. The phrase “Gucci Anchor” over a burgundy background adorned the buildings of fashion capitals.

Also, an installation of the Gucci Cosmos exhibition displayed in London features the new symbolic color of the maison. To represent the new identity that the brand has taken on under the guidance of Sabato de Sarno, the last room is colored in “Rosso Ancora” (Anchor Red). De Sarno explained the choice of the title, Ancora (Anchor), for his first collection:

“Ancora means many things. It means again, another time, but it’s also more personal; it’s not something you have lost, it’s something you have, but you want more of it because it makes you happy.”

The Spring/Summer 2024 collection is full of references to the brand’s heritage and combines minimalism with precious details. The color Rosso Ancora often returns, both in accessories and garments. Another constant presence is the loafers, emblem of Gucci, but this time they are platform and have a great impact.

New, yet familiar: this is how De Sarno’s first collection can be described, which revives historic designs like loafers, the Jackie, and the belt with the logo but paired with casual or elegant and minimal garments, like a black coat.

Also read:

Cosmos: la mostra sulla storia di Gucci arriva a Londra

Gucci, Alessandro Michele lascia: “Finisce uno straordinario viaggio”