Will Alessandro Michele sign the Valentino contract after Pierpaolo Piccioli’s sudden departure?

Pierpaolo Piccioli, who has been the creative director of Valentino for almost twenty years, has recently made the announcement that he will be leaving the business effective immediately. 

Piccioli began his career as an accessories designer and was hand-selected by Valentino Garavani himself. Since the very beginning of his time with the brand, he has truly evolutionised the world of couture and has been pushing the boundaries in the fashion world. He quickly rose through the ranks to become creative director in 2008, a role he shared with Maria Grazia Chiuri until 2016, when she left to take the steering of Dior’s creative direction. 

Piccioli took it to social media to address his departure and extended his gratitude for being an important part of a house so special to him.

“Not all stories have a beginning or an end, some live a kind of eternal present that shines so bright that it won’t produce any shadows. I’ve been in this company for 25 years, and for 25 years I’ve existed and I’ve lived with the people who have woven the weaves of this beautiful story that is mine and ours.“

Piccioli’s time at Valentino was characterized by his infusion of a youthful and energizing vibe into the brand, blending its traditional values with his own imaginative flair. He advocated for increased diversity and inclusion in the fashion realm through initiatives like Di.Vas and by selecting a diverse group of ambassadors, including figures like Lewis Hamilton and Suga from BTS, who represent the new wave of creative icons. 

Piccioli also brought fresh elements to Valentino’s iconic style, such as streetwear influences, the popular PP Pink hue, and more structured designs, signaling a notable transformation for the renowned fashion label.

With Piccioli’s exit from Valentino, the brand has not yet revealed a successor to lead its creative direction. However, there have been widespread speculations, with many suggesting that Alessandro Michele from Gucci could potentially fill the role. Although the Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported that a contract had been finalized with Alessandro Michele over the weekend, neither Valentino nor Michele immediately responded to the news. It’s important to note that last year, French luxury conglomerate Kering, the parent company of Gucci, acquired a 30% stake in Valentino from Qatari investment fund Mayhoola, with an option to purchase the remaining stake within five years.

Established in 1960 by Valentino Garavani, the brand quickly became famous for its exceptional craftsmanship, impeccable tailoring, and innovative designs. Over time, Valentino has evolved into a global icon, particularly recognised for its iconic red dresses, intricate lacework, and luxurious embellishments, winning the admiration of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Having been synonymous with timeless sophistication, luxury, and elegance, the esteemed Italian fashion house recently made waves by canceling its Men’s and Haute Couture fashion shows slated for June. This bold move followed the departure of its creative visionary, Pierpaolo Piccioli. After both parties agreed to part ways amicably, Valentino hinted at an upcoming “creative revolution” within the brand. 

This announcement signals a transformative period for Valentino, promising a fresh approach to design and innovation under a revamped creative leadership structure. By choosing to forgo the traditional runway presentations, Valentino is making a statement about embracing change and embracing a new era of creativity. Fashion enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of this “creative revolution,” sparking curiosity and excitement about the future direction of one of the fashion world’s most iconic brands.