British-Jamaican designer Martine Rose has been named creative director of Balenciaga, marking a major milestone for Caribbean representation in global fashion.
Rose, known for her bold streetwear aesthetic, oversized silhouettes and celebration of London’s diverse communities, will officially take up the role on November 16, 2026, succeeding Pierpaolo Piccioli.
Kering said her appointment “marks a new chapter” for Balenciaga, adding that she “brings a deep understanding of the house’s creative identity to her own singular vision of contemporary culture.”
Speaking on her appointment, Rose said it was a privilege to lead Balenciaga, “a house with an extraordinary heritage and a fearless creative spirit.”
Luca de Meo, CEO of Kering, praised Rose, saying she “embodies this spirit with a fresh, fearless and deeply contemporary vision.”
Rose founded her namesake label in 2007 and has collaborated with Nike, Supreme, Tommy Hilfiger and Clarks. She previously worked alongside Demna at Balenciaga, influencing the house’s distinctive menswear aesthetic.
