Valentino’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli is departing from the renowned Italian fashion house, marking another notable change among high-profile designers in the industry. The label announced the mutual agreement to conclude their collaboration.
Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli
“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,” said Piccioli. “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… Thanks to Mr Valentino and Giancarlo Giammetti who have blessed me with their trust, thanks to every single person who made this possible in one way or another. It was a privilege and an honour to share my journey, and my dreams, with you.”
Pierpaolo Piccioli and his team
“His contribution over the past 25 years will leave an indelible mark,” Valentino’s chairman Rachid Mohamed Rachid said.
Recognized for his dramatic haute couture designs, his association with the house began in 1999 as an accessory designer alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri, eventually becoming co-creative directors in 2008 and sole creative director in 2016.
Piccioli’s upbringing in Nettuno, Italy, his literary studies at Rome University, and his early career experiences at Fendi shaped his creative perspective. This resulted in collections that reinforced Valentino’s signature elements like ruffles, bows, and the iconic red color, while introducing new motifs such as the Rockstud. His approach to directing design at Valentino involved maintaining the brand’s essence while infusing a fresh attitude, resulting in collections that combined romanticism with intellectualism and technical expertise.
Valentino Pink PP Collection 2022
At Valentino, Piccioli has led with a creative approach that harmonizes opulent couture with elegant everyday wear. He revitalized the brand with designs appealing to a broader demographic and infused a playful spirit into its heritage. Despite holding the top position at Valentino, Piccioli consistently acknowledges the importance of his team’s contributions. He is known for inviting team members to join him for bows at the end of couture shows and naming each handcrafted piece after the artisan who created it. He recognizes that collective effort enhances the brand’s success beyond individual achievements.
Pierpaolo Piccioli invited his team to bow at the end of the show
As Piccioli conveyed in his statement, “I’ve been in this company for 25 years, and for 25 years I’ve existed and lived with the people who have woven the threads of this beautiful story that is mine and ours. Everything existed and exists thanks to the people I met, with whom I worked, with whom I shared dreams and created beauty, with whom I built something that belongs to all, and that remains immutable and tangible. This heritage of love, dreams, beauty and humanity, I carry it with me, today and forever.”