Martine Rose calls Balenciaga appointment a ‘true privilege’

British-Jamaican designer Martine Rose has expressed her excitement about taking the creative reins at Balenciaga, describing the appointment as both a privilege and an opportunity to build on the fashion house’s rich legacy.

“It is a true privilege to be appointed creative director of Balenciaga, a House with an extraordinary heritage and a fearless creative spirit. Balenciaga has been shaped by remarkable creative talents before me. I am committed to honouring this legacy and look forward to creating the next chapter in this rich and beautiful story,” said Rose in a release on Friday.

She will assume the role on November 16 and will be based in Paris, France.

Kering CEO Luca de Meo welcomed Rose’s appointment, highlighting her contemporary creative vision, cultural influence and ability to connect with a new generation of fashion consumers.

“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. Her connection to the new generation and her instinctive understanding of culture bring a new dimension to the House. Her appointment reflects our ambition to keep Balenciaga at the forefront of innovation, creativity and culture,” he said.

Balenciaga President and CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli praised Rose’s distinctive creative vision and ability to challenge fashion conventions, and welcomed the new direction she will bring to the house.

“Martine Rose is an extraordinary creative talent with a bold and highly distinctive vision. Her ability to challenge conventions, reinvent silhouettes and bring an unexpected perspective to fashion resonates deeply with the spirit of innovation that defines Balenciaga. We are delighted to welcome her as creative director and look forward to this exciting new chapter for the House,” said Gianangeli.

Rose was born in South London to a British mother and a Jamaican father from Orange Street in west Kingston. A prominent menswear designer, she established her eponymous label in 2007.

She previously worked with Balenciaga as a menswear consultant, from 2015 to 2018, during Demna Gvasalia’s tenure as creative director. In 2023, she was named the first guest creative director of Clarks.

Her appointment follows the departure of creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. He assumed the role at Balenciaga in May 2025.

lifestyle@gleanerjm.com