Sabato De Sarno appointed creative director of Icicle

Sabato De Sarno has been appointed as the new creative director for the Chinese fashion brand Icicle. The Italian designer, who previously served as the creative director for Gucci, will oversee women’s and men’s prêt-à-porter, accessories, and eyewear. He is expected to present his debut collection for the brand for the autumn/winter 2027-28 season.

De Sarno expressed an interest in the brand’s philosophy of harmony between fashion and nature. Icicle, founded in Shanghai in 1997 by Ye Shouzeng and Shawna Tao, focuses on a “natural way” of design using natural fibers and organic pigments. The brand’s parent company, ICCF Group, recently received a minority investment from Kering in April.

Bénédicte Laloux, who has been central to Icicle’s women’s line since 2013, will remain with the company as Design Director for the women’s collection, working under De Sarno’s creative direction. The appointment is part of Icicle’s efforts to accelerate its global expansion following its inclusion in the Paris Fashion Week official schedule.