Pierpaolo Piccioli bids farewell to Valentino, the prestigious fashion house where he dedicated over two decades of his career. Expressing gratitude to Valentino Garavani, Giancarlo Giammetti, and his team, Piccioli reminisces, “It has been a privilege and an honor to share my journey, and my dreams, with you.”
Joining Valentino in 1999 alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri, after nearly ten years of designing accessories at Fendi, Piccioli reflected on his transition to the renowned brand, stating, “I was happy that I arrived there when I was all grown up.” He added, “Until I was 30, I thought that fashion was a very nice place. At Valentino, I finally understood the system of fashion. Valentino was formal — very, very formal. There was a ritual, and I liked that.”
Under their leadership, Piccioli and Chiuri garnered attention for their work on bags and eyewear, later assuming control of Red Valentino in 2003 and becoming co-creative directors in 2009. Despite notable successes like the Rockstud range, they faced criticism, including accusations of cultural appropriation. Chiuri departed in 2016 to helm Dior, leaving Piccioli as sole creative director.
Piccioli’s tenure at the helm saw immense acclaim, particularly for his couture creations, making Valentino a red-carpet favorite. His innovative approach earned him accolades such as being named a Time 100 honoree and winning a Fashion Award for Designer of the Year.
His most recent Fall 2024 collection, marked by its all-black palette, perhaps symbolizes a solemn departure from his role after 25 years. Valentino CEO Jacopo Venturini expressed gratitude for Piccioli’s contributions, while Chairman Rachid Mohamed Rachid praised his indelible mark on the brand’s history.
As Piccioli bids adieu, speculation swirls about his successor and the future of Valentino. The fashion industry braces for potential upheavals akin to those witnessed in 2018, with high-profile departures and vacancies reshaping luxury fashion’s landscape.
With Piccioli’s next move remaining uncertain, Valentino hints at forthcoming announcements regarding the brand’s creative direction, leaving the fashion world eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
