PARIS (Reuters) -Creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli held his first runway show for Balenciaga on Saturday, presenting a summer lineup that included brightly colored gowns and minimalist leather jackets, dubbed “The Heartbeat” collection.

“I don’t want to deny what has been here before me,” the Italian designer told a crowd of journalists and well-wishers after the show. He said he seeks to bring couture elements to everyday clothing like chinos and T-shirts.

Piccioli, who previously worked at Valentino for 25 years, took the reins of the Kering-owned fashion house in July. He succeeded Demna, who moved to Gucci, as part of a broad management and design reshuffle aimed at reversing a decline in group sales.

The show opened with a sack dress — a long garment with no waist, first introdu

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