Balenciaga Taps Pierpaolo Piccioli as Creative Director
Balenciaga has appointed Pierpaolo Piccioli as its new creative director, effective July 10. His first collection is set to debut in October during Paris Fashion Week. Piccioli succeeds Demna, who helmed Balenciaga for a decade and left an indelible mark on the brand’s identity. Under his leadership, Balenciaga leaned heavily into a dystopian, streetwear-infused aesthetic, defined by oversized tailoring, exaggerated silhouettes, slogan knits, and distressed denim. Kering, Balenciaga’s parent company, has since appointed Demna as the new artistic director of Gucci, a move that underscores the group’s broader reshuffling strategy. Piccioli, who stepped down from Valentino in March 2024 after 25 years at the Roman house, brings a markedly different design sensibility. His tenure at Valentino was defined by emotional, romantic storytelling and a deep reverence for couture craftsmanship—traits that may signal a return to elegance and heritage at Balenciaga. Piccioli said, “Cristóbal Balenciaga’s legacy and archive is probably one of the most influential fashion statements of all time. He has done everything before everyone; he has literally invented the culture of creativity; he has infused the idea of couture in every aspect of his career, and he has shown, through his creations, the power of evolution and innovation.” [WWD]
Milan Fashion Week Calendar Is Out
As the Spring/Summer 2026 men’s season approaches, global fashion weeks are shifting. The British Fashion Council has canceled the standalone London Fashion Week Men’s in June, calling it a strategic decision. February and September editions will remain co-ed. In place of the June event, the BFC is expanding its London Show Rooms initiative in Paris. Held four times a year, it will give emerging menswear designers increased visibility with international buyers and press. Milan has released its calendar, but two of its most anticipated names are sitting out with Gucci and Fendi skipping the week.Demna’s debut for Gucci is expected during the September ready-to-wear season, with co-ed, studio-led collections shown in the meantime. Fendi, under Silvia Venturini Fendi, will also return in September with a co-ed show. Jonathan Anderson is also off the Milan schedule as he prepares for his Dior Men debut, set for June 27 in Paris. Zegna, which typically closes Milan Fashion Week, will present its Spring 2026 collection in Dubai this season. Alessandro Sartori’s show is scheduled for June 11. With Federico Cina absent from the Milan opener, Satoshi Kuwata of Setchu will take the slot on June 20. He staged his first full runway show last season as a guest at Pitti Uomo. Saul Nash returns on June 22, along with Etro, which is also back on the presentation schedule. [Vogue]
Men’s Paris Fashion Week
Paris Fashion Week will close out the month from June 24 to 29. Seventy brands will present their Spring 2026 menswear collections, including 40 runway shows and 30 presentations. Fashion week staples such as Rick Owens, Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garçons, and Hermès will return. Saint Laurent’s menswear line also rejoins the official calendar after several off-schedule shows since January 2023. Willy Chavarria will show again, while Loewe is sitting out the season. The brand’s next appearance will be in October, when new creative directors Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez debut their first designs. The Fall 2025 couture calendar is expected in early June. [WWD]
How Makeup Artist Fara Homidi Became Fashion’s Quiet Beauty Authority
When you build a career defined by intimacy, integrity, and intention like Fara Homidi has, you become one of fashion’s most trusted makeup artists. Homidi has spent over a decade shaping a quiet yet powerful vision of beauty, creating runway looks for Off White, Coperni, and Eckhaus Latta, while contributing to Vogue, Self Service, and Harper’s Bazaar. Raised in Northern California’s Bay Area and of Afghan heritage, her journey began in her mother’s beauty supply store and led to NYC, where she became a sought after name in makeup artistry. With a signature that feels instinctive, her namesake line Fara Homidi Beauty champions slow beauty, blending sustainability with elevated essentials. Models.com sat down with her to talk visual storytelling, building a brand from scratch, and the power of a signature look. Find the interview here.
Panos Papandrianos on Crafting Characters Through the Art of Hair
Hairstylist Panos Papandrianos has always been obsessed with hair. He started working on his immediate family, then was offered his first photoshoot, and the rest was history. Working with top models like Gigi Hadid to the legend Gisele Bundchen, Panos has done it all. For this Behind the Image find out significant challenges he has faced and who he thinks is the one to watch. Find the full interview here.
MDC Selects: Proud of Their Heritage, These Rookies Are Fashion’s Next Wave
Proud of their heritage, these rookies are fashion’s next wave of models entering the industry. Find out whose passion is de-stigmatizing mental health, who owns 40+ fragrances, and who was scouted at Abercrombie Kids. Click the link here to meet them and other breakout talent.
And don’t forget the latest additions to the Icon rankings, FeiFei Sun, Isabeli Fontana, Jonas Mason, and Jourdan Dunn and the best model red carpet moments from Cannes.
