Pierpaolo Piccioli bids farewell to Valentino after two decades, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and transformation in haute couture fashion.
In an unexpected announcement, Pierpaolo Piccioli is stepping away from Valentino, marking the end of an era that witnessed the Maison flourish under his creative leadership for over two decades. Since joining Valentino in 1999, initially alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri, Piccioli has been a pivotal figure in guiding the brand through the realms of high fashion. His revitalization of Valentino, where he embraced the brand’s archives to inject a fresh and youthful vibe, was evident on red carpets and fashion stages alike, as seen in designs such as Nicola Peltz-Beckham’s wedding gown and Zendaya‘s outfit for the 94th Academy Awards. His contributions, including the acclaimed Haute Couture collections of 2018 and Spring-Summer 2023, garnered widespread praise both for him and the brand.
As Piccioli bids farewell to Valentino, his parting collection, a completely black ensemble for Fall-Winter 2024, can be seen as a farewell to a remarkable journey filled with creativity, love, and transformation. His emotional farewell message reflects on the legacy of beauty, hope, and opportunities he fostered at Valentino, acknowledging the crucial support of Valentino Garavani, Giancarlo Giammetti, and the collective effort of his team. Piccioli concludes his message on the theme by writing: “Stella was two years old when she came to see my first fashion show; she is about to turn 18, and the other night she asked me, ‘How do you feel?’ ‘Young and free,’ I replied. I give you my eyes to see you as I see you. Young and free. And full of dreams. All the time.” Valentino has yet to announce a new Creative Director.
