Overview

• Piccioli unveiled his Spring/Summer 2026 debut at Balenciaga in Paris, staging The Heartbeat at the brand’s historic headquarters during Fashion Week.
• The show opened with a modern take on Cristóbal Balenciaga’s late-1950s sack dress and featured visor-like, crystal-topped sunglasses alongside pared-back leather tailoring.
• He emphasized continuity with past designers, saying he would not deny predecessors’ work, and extended that message through invitations that played a recorded heartbeat.
• Front-row turnout underscored the moment’s visibility, with 560 guests and celebrities including Meghan Markle, Lauren Sánchez and Kristin Scott Thomas.
• Reviews highlighted a shift toward couture-informed, classic and shoppable pieces, as Kering’s leadership reshuffle moves Demna to Gucci and positions Piccioli to redefine Balenciaga.