On March 22, Valentino’s Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli announced his retirement. Piccioli’s successor will be announced shortly.
Piccioli joined Valentino in 1999 and has been in charge of the accessories department. In 2008, he was appointed co-creative director with Maria Grazia Chiuri, now creative director of Dior, and in 2016 he became Valentino’s sole creative director.
Piccioli, whose long journey at Valentino is coming to an end, commented to WWD: “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. 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.”
“This is the beauty that we have created: life, hope, opportunity and gratitude, and my people, my heart, and the love that gives you all the possibilities of the world, especially those that you could not imagine alone. 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 honor to share my journey, and my dreams, with you.”
Valentino chief executive Jacopo Venturini stated, “I am grateful to Pierpaolo for his role as creative director and for his vision, commitment and creativity that have brought the Maison Valentino to what it stands for today.”
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Pierpaolo for writing an important chapter in the history of the Maison Valentino,” said Rachid Mohamed Rachid, Valentino chairman and chief executive of owner Qatari investment fund Mayhoola, which controls Valentino.
Just a few days ago, the fashion industry was shocked when Dries Van Not en announced that he will step down as creative director in June. Amidst a string of personnel changes at luxury maisons, people also pay attention to Valentino’s next creative director.
Last year, Kering acquired 30% of Valentino’s share capital for €1.7 billion. The deal also includes an option for Kering to acquire 100% of Valentino’s share capital by 2028.