British-Jamaican fashion designer Martine Rose has been appointed creative director of luxury fashion house Balenciaga, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the brand’s creative direction in its 109-year history.
The appointment was announced on November 6 by Kering, Balenciaga’s parent company. Rose is scheduled to assume the Paris-based position on November 16, succeeding Italian designer Pierpaolo Piccioli, whose departure was announced earlier in the week.
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Born in South London to a British mother and a Jamaican father from Orange Street in West Kingston, Rose has established an international reputation for her distinctive approach to menswear. She launched her eponymous fashion label in London in 2007, drawing inspiration from streetwear, music, football, and underground youth culture.
Her designs have attracted international attention and collaborations with major brands, including Nike, Supreme and Clarks. She previously worked with Balenciaga as a menswear consultant from 2015 to 2018, during Demna Gvasalia’s tenure as creative director.
In announcing her appointment, Rose described the opportunity as a privilege, expressing her commitment to respecting the fashion house’s heritage while shaping its next chapter.
Her selection also adds to the growing international presence of designers with Jamaican heritage at major luxury fashion houses, including Grace Wales Bonner at Hermès and Rachel Scott at Proenza Schouler.
