Kering’s CEO, Stefano Cantino, expressed his gratitude for De Sarno’s work during his time at the brand. “We would like to thank Sabato for his dedication and passion for Gucci,” said Cantino. “He has respected and honored the craftsmanship and heritage of the brand.” Meanwhile, Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s deputy CEO in charge of brand development, also thanked De Sarno for his professionalism and loyalty, praising his efforts in strengthening Gucci’s foundations. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together to solidify the brand, and I look forward to Gucci’s continued growth under new creative leadership,” Bellettini said.
De Sarno’s departure comes at a pivotal moment for Gucci, as the brand faces challenges in securing sustainable growth. His collections at Gucci marked a shift toward a more understated, “wearable aesthetic,” in contrast to Michele’s eccentric designs. This change in direction was aimed at repositioning the brand to appeal to a broader customer base. However, Gucci’s recent performance has been disappointing. Kering’s revenue dropped by 15 percent in Q3, with Gucci’s sales falling by 26 percent to 1.64 billion euros. Gucci, which accounts for nearly half of Kering’s total revenue, has been struggling since late 2022, prompting a restructuring effort overseen by Cantino, who became CEO in January 2024.
Despite some positive responses to De Sarno’s recent collections, Gucci continues to face challenges in customer acquisition and brand revitalization. Kering is forecasting an operating profit of 2.5 billion euros for 2024, a significant decline from 2023’s figure.
As Gucci navigates this difficult period, the fashion world is watching closely to see how the brand moves forward with a new creative leader. The anticipation surrounding De Sarno’s successor is building, and it remains to be seen which direction Gucci will take as it strives for growth and revitalization in an increasingly competitive market.