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.

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.

Gucci announced Thursday that the Balenciaga artistic director Demna will take over the creative direction of the Italian luxury fashion house, starting in July. Gucci and its French parent Kering said in a statement that Demna “has redefined modern luxury, earning global recognition and cementing his authority on the industry.’’