Martine Rose becomes Balenciaga’s first Black woman creative director

The British-Jamaican designer becomes only the second Black woman to lead a major European fashion house, following Grace Wales Bonner's appointment at Hermès.

British-Jamaican designer Martine Rose is making history in the world of luxury fashion.

The London-born creative has been named the new creative director of Balenciaga, becoming the first Black woman to lead the storied French fashion house. Her appointment also makes her just the second Black woman to hold a major creative leadership position at a European luxury fashion brand, following Grace Wales Bonner’s historic appointment at Hermès in 2025.

According to Business of Fashion , Balenciaga’s parent company, Kering, confirmed Rose’s appointment on Friday, Nov. 6. She officially assumes the role Nov. 16, succeeding Pierpaolo Piccioli, whose departure was announced Thursday.

For Rose, the move represents a return to familiar territory, but this time she’s calling the shots.

The designer previously worked alongside Demna as a menswear consultant for Balenciaga from 2015 to 2018, contributing to the oversized silhouettes and unconventional approach to everyday fashion that became hallmarks of the brand’s identity.

Rose’s own label, founded in 2007, has built a devoted following for its distinctive blend of sportswear, traditional tailoring and unexpected proportions. Drawing inspiration from London’s multicultural communities and underground music scenes, her designs reflect influences ranging from reggae and house music to football and rave culture.

Born to Jamaican parents in London, Rose has long incorporated elements of her heritage and upbringing into her creative work, challenging conventional ideas about menswear, gender expression and luxury fashion.

Her collaborations with major brands including Nike, Supreme and Clarks have helped introduce her distinctive aesthetic to a broader audience while maintaining the cultural credibility that made her an influential figure in fashion.

Now she’ll bring that perspective to one of the industry’s most recognizable luxury houses.

“Balenciaga has always been a house of radical creativity, challenging conventions and redefining the boundaries of fashion. Martine Rose embodies this spirit with a fresh, fearless and deeply contemporary vision,” Kering CEO Luca de Meo said in a statement shared with Business of Fashion.

Rose’s appointment comes amid significant changes at Kering, which has also initiated creative shakeups at Saint Laurent, McQueen and Brioni.

Her predecessor, Piccioli, took over Balenciaga in July 2025 after leaving Valentino, bringing a more romantic and couture-focused aesthetic to the brand. His tenure proved relatively brief, with Rose now positioned to reconnect Balenciaga with the streetwear and cultural influences that helped define its recent success.

Beyond the business implications, Rose’s appointment marks another significant milestone for Black women in luxury fashion.

Just last year, Grace Wales Bonner was named creative director of Hermès menswear, becoming the first Black woman to lead a major design division at the French luxury house.

With Rose now taking the reins at Balenciaga, two British designers of Jamaican heritage are helping reshape creative leadership at some of Europe’s most prestigious fashion brands.

For Rose, whose career has been built on elevating the cultural influences of communities often overlooked by traditional luxury fashion, the appointment represents an opportunity to bring those perspectives to an even bigger stage.

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