pierpaolo piccioli

interview and portraits

by OLIVIER ZAHM

 

The new creative director of Balenciaga sees fashion as an act of humanity. Through sculptural silhouettes, symbolic color, and emotional depth, he creates clothes that speak of empathy, inclusion, and hope — quietly affirming that fashion can shape a better world through what we choose to wear.

 

OLIVIER ZAHM — I followed your trip to India on Instagram in 2025. You seemed deeply immersed in it. It happened just before you took over Balenciaga. What were you looking for?

PIERPAOLO PICCIOLI — I was at a moment in my life when I needed to go deeper. So, I traveled alone. I wanted to experience the Kumbh Mela.

OLIVIER ZAHM — The Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest religious gathering and pilgrimage, isn’t it? Spiritually, it’s a gathering for renewal. It’s massive. Millions of Hindus travel to sacred river confluences to bathe, in…