London-based designer Martine Rose has been named creative director of Balenciaga, taking over its womenswear, menswear, and accessories lines. The appointment marks a historic milestone as Rose becomes the first female creative director to helm the French luxury house in its 109-year history.

This is a homecoming for Rose, who previously worked as a menswear consultant for Balenciaga alongside former creative director Demna from 2015 to 2018. Since founding her eponymous label in 2007, she has built an international reputation for combining subcultural influences, ranging from rave scene aesthetics to football culture, with refined, unconventional tailoring.

Her arrival follows the sudden departure of Italian designer Pierpaolo Piccioli, who exited after a brief tenure that began in May 2025.