‘Young and free. And full of dreams. Always,” said the designer.
Designer Pierpaolo Piccioli worked at fashion house Valentino for 25 years, the past 16 years of which as creative director. But to everyone’s surprise, it was suddenly announced yesterday that the two are now going their separate ways.
Exit Valentino
The famous Spanish steps in Rome as a runway. The (almost) completely pink fall 2022 collection. The Met Gala looks for Normani, Pedro Pascal, Rihanna, and Florence Pugh, among others. Over the years, Pierpaolo Piccioli has done a lot of great things for Valentino, and many were eagerly awaiting Pierpaolo’s next collection. But that era is now suddenly coming to an end.
The news caused quite a stir in the fashion world, as many did not see Pierpaolo’s exit coming. With the countless successes he has achieved for the Maison, it was not obvious that the creative director would be replaced.
‘Joint decision’
In a short statement yesterday, Valentino announced that the collaboration will end by mutual agreement. “Since 2016, in his role as creative director, Piccioli has significantly influenced the path for the Maison with his vision, dedication, and innovative spirit, impacting a pivotal chapter in the company’s history.”
Chairman Rachid Mohamed Rachid added: “We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Pierpaolo for writing an important chapter in the history of Maison Valentino. His contribution over the past 25 years will leave an indelible mark.”
‘Young and free’
The designer himself made himself heard via Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
The former creative director begins his personal message with the words: “Not all stories have a beginning and an end, some live in a kind of eternal present that shines with an intense light, so strong that it leaves no shadows. I have been with this company for 25 years and for 25 years I have existed and lived together with the people who have woven the threads of this beautiful story that is mine and ours.”
He also thanks everyone he has worked with over the years, and the founders, Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti, for their confidence in him.
Finally, Pierpaolo writes: “Stella (his daughter, ed.) was two years old when she came to see my first show, she is almost 18 and the other day she asked me: ‘How are you feeling?’ “Young and free,” I replied. I give you my eyes to see you as I see you. Young and free. And full of dreams. Always.”
The future
It is not yet known who should take over from Pierpaolo Piccioli. Women’s Wear Daily reports on speculation that Alessandro Michele, the former creative director of Gucci, could be in the running for the role. According to experts, another option would be that Maria Grazia Churi, who worked alongside Pierpaolo as Valentino’s Creative Director from 2008 to 2016 and is currently making waves at Dior, could make her return to the label.
We wait patiently!
Source: Women’s Wear Daily, Diet Prada, Fashionista, The Hollywood Reporter | Image: NL Image
