Italian luxury brand Gucci has appointed Georgian designer Demna as its artistic director, owner Kering said on Thursday, as it tries to revitalise its struggling flagship label and stop a slide in sales.

ROME (AP) — Gucci announced Thursday that the Balenciaga artistic director Demna, who goes by one name, will take over the creative direction of the Italian luxury fashion house, starting in July.

Kering appointed Demna Gvasalia as artistic director of Gucci, turning to the Balenciaga designer to inject new life into its flagship brand at a difficult time for the industry.