ICICLE
ICICLE has appointed Sabato De Sarno as Creative Director.
From early 2023 to early 2025, he served as Creative Director of Gucci, the flagship brand of French luxury group Kering.
Notably, in April this year, Kering announced the acquisition of a minority stake in ICICLE’s parent company, ICCF Group, to support the brand’s international expansion and broaden its product offering into new categories.
In his new role, Sabato De Sarno will oversee the creative direction of ICICLE across women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories and eyewear. His first collection for ICICLE will be presented for Autumn/Winter 2027-2028.
Born in the Naples region of Italy in 1983, Sabato De Sarno began his career at Italian luxury brand Prada in 2003 before moving to Dolce & Gabbana. In 2009, he joined Valentino, where he spent more than a decade and rose to Fashion Director, overseeing the women’s and men’s ready-to-wear collections.
De Sarno is known for his refined aesthetic vision, exceptional tailoring expertise and product-first creative approach. His work is distinguished by a clear stylistic identity and an enduring commitment to exceptional materials and timeless design.
Since 2013, French designer Bénédicte Laloux has played a central role in shaping ICICLE’s womenswear creative identity and its Paris Design Studio. She will continue as Design Director of the Women’s Show Collection, working under the creative direction of Sabato De Sarno.
Exemplar Luxury Group
US luxury department store group Exemplar Luxury Group, formerly Saks Global and the parent company of Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, has appointed Gretchen Koback Pursel as Chief People Officer.
In her new role, Gretchen Koback Pursel will be responsible for developing and implementing the group’s people strategy, fostering a performance-driven culture, empowering individuals and teams, and driving business results.
Gretchen Koback Pursel brings extensive experience across the luxury, beauty and wellness sectors. Prior to joining Exemplar, Koback Pursel was Chief People Officer at luxury fitness group Equinox. She previously held the same role at Tiffany & Co. and The Wella Company.
IICOMBINED
IICOMBINED, the parent company of South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster, has appointed Renaud Divisia as General Manager of Europe.
In his new role, Renaud Divisia will lead the continued growth of IICOMBINED’s European business, including Gentle Monster, overseeing regional operations, retail expansion and overall commercial strategy.
Renaud Divisia is a seasoned international luxury executive with extensive experience in business development, commercial strategy and brand management across leading luxury groups and brands. Before joining IICOMBINED, he served as General Manager of Puig Korea and International Director of Puig-owned niche fragrance brand Byredo. He also spent several years at LVMH-owned Dior Parfums, holding a number of international management positions across Europe and the Middle East.
Founded in 2011, IICOMBINED’s brand portfolio includes eyewear brand Gentle Monster, fragrance and skincare brand Tamburins, creative dessert brand Nudake, headwear brand Atiissu, and kitchenware brand Nuflaat.
| Source: Official press releases
| Image Credit: Courtesy of the brands and personal social media accounts
| Editor: Luxeplace
