Sabato De Sarno brought Gucci into a new chapter, balancing the heritage of one of fashion’s most iconic houses with his own fresh perspective. Appointed as Creative Director in January 2023, De Sarno made his debut at Milan Women’s Fashion Week in September of that year, introducing a vision that honored Gucci’s legacy while embracing the contemporary. Raised in Naples, De Sarno’s career took shape at Italian powerhouses Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino, where he spent over a decade before stepping into the role at Gucci.

De Sarno’s designs are rooted in Italian craftsmanship but with an approach that challenges convention. His Fall/Winter 2024 collection exemplified this approach—featuring coats with hidden buttons at the back, embellished knitwear, and handbags that reimagined Gucci’s iconic motifs with a modern twist. For De Sarno, fashion is about capturing the extraordinary where the ordinary is expected, and his work at Gucci was marked by subversive gestures, refined techniques, and a continuous desire to push boundaries.

De Sarno concluded his tenure at Gucci in February 2025, marking the end of a significant chapter defined by thoughtful reinterpretations of the brand’s storied codes. Throughout his leadership, De Sarno sought new ways to interpret Gucci’s heritage, crafting a contemporary vision that was bold, distinctive, and continually surprising. His brief yet impactful time at Gucci highlighted his ability to blend the richness of Italian tradition with forward-thinking design, solidifying his reputation as one of fashion’s compelling modern voices.