Italian designer Pierpaolo Piccioli is the new creative director of Balenciaga. He will take over the Kering-owned fashion firm on July 10 and present his debut collection in October at French Fashion Week. Many in the fashion industry were excited to see him return to the runway, and the 57-year-old designer, who is originally from Nettuno, did not disappoint. His appointment is yet another top-level change in a luxury system looking for an antidote to its crisis, and the Roman designer will most likely be able to make a difference because of his persistent willingness to experiment. Piccioli, fascinated by fashion, enrolled at the European Institute of Design as soon as he graduated from high school and pursued his passion by seeking out every opportunity to experience the backstage and tailoring atmosphere. Following his initial experiences, he joined Fendi in 1990 and quickly established a career in the accessories business. It was for his work in this area that he was recruited by Valentino, alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri (now women's creative director at Dior). After many achievements, the two were chosen designers of the Roman maison, where Piccioli worked for 25 years, until March of last year.