Valentino has officially announced the appointment of Alessandro Michele as the new creative director of the renowned couture house based in Rome. According to an internal statement, after the departure of Pierpaolo Piccioli – who holded the position of the brand for 25 years, Michele will debut his first collection in spring 2025.
Michele’s journey in the fashion industry began in 2002 when he joined the design studio at Gucci, following a tenure as senior accessories designer at Fendi. He ascended the ranks, serving as an “associate” to then-creative director Frida Giannini in 2011. In 2014, Michele assumed the role of creative director for Richard Ginori, the porcelain brand under Gucci’s umbrella since 2013. His official appointment as Gucci’s creative head came in January 2015, shortly after his debut bow at the end of the brand’s men’s fall 2015 show, propelled by then-chairman and CEO Marco Bizzarri. Michele’s visionary approach revitalized Gucci, introducing an unconventional, androgynous, and “romantic geek” aesthetic during his seminal show.
Gucci under Alessandro Michele’s “romantic geek” vision
Michele will begin an extensive exploration of the archives and established motifs of his new residence. He expressed, “My initial focus is on this narrative: the depth of its cultural and symbolic legacy, the perpetual sense of marvel it evokes, and the profoundly cherished identity bestowed upon it by its visionary founders, Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti. These references have always been a fundamental wellspring of inspiration for me, and I intend to honor their influence through my personal interpretation and creative perspective.”
Alessandro Michele
In a statement today, Rachid, chairman of Valentino, remarked, “The selection of Alessandro Michele signifies yet another significant juncture for Maison Valentino. His exceptional talent underscores our ambitious aspirations for Maison Valentino.” He emphasized, “With his distinct creativity and sensitivity, I am confident that Alessandro will perpetuate the elevation of the brand’s timeless heritage, heralding a new chapter of excellence and enduring beauty in the annals of Valentino.”
When Kering invested in Valentino, François-Henri Pinault, the company’s chairman and CEO, characterized Valentino as “a distinctive Italian maison synonymous with grace and sophistication.” Like Piccioli before him, Michele is now tasked with redefining Valentino’s opulent and classical interpretation of beauty through his own creative perspective and intuition. Michele has previously expressed that “beauty knows no limits, rules, or colors,” reflecting his broad, inclusive, and intellectually rigorous philosophy, which has led him to challenge numerous perceived boundaries on the runway.
Alessandro Michele‘s iconic codes
From my personal point of view, Michele’s arrival at Valentino signals a significant moment for the renowned couture house. With his unique perspective and innovative ideas, he has the potential to usher in a new era of creativity and excellence. Michele’s deep appreciation for cultural and symbolic heritage, as well as his penchant for storytelling, suggests that he will draw inspiration from Valentino’s rich history while infusing it with his own distinctive style.
Under Michele’s leadership, Valentino may witness a reinvigoration of its iconic motifs and codes, infused with a sense of modernity and whimsy. His ability to blend tradition with innovation could result in collections that resonate with both loyal Valentino enthusiasts and a new generation of fashion aficionados.
Alessandro Michele’s appointment as creative director of Valentino holds promise for an exciting and transformative chapter in the brand’s illustrious history. With his exceptional talent and visionary approach, Michele is poised to leave an indelible mark on Maison Valentino, shaping its identity for years to come.