De Sarno, a 42-year-old Italian minimalist, took over as Gucci's chief designer in 2023, succeeding Alessandro Michele, one of the towering figures of the fashion industry whose exuberant and playful designs defined the brand for seven years.

De Sarno’s departure after only two years raises questions about Gucci’s long-term efforts to overhaul its image with consumers. The brand has eschewed the trendy designs that