Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli is saying goodbye

He fashion designer became the creative director in 2016. They dressed famous people like Florence Pugh and Rihanna for the Met Gala, and Zendaya and Carey Mulligan for the Oscars. They also made pink clothes really popular.

alentino and Pierpaolo Piccioli have decided to stop working together.

The company said, “Since 2016, Piccioli has made a big impact on Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli with his ideas, hard work, and new ways of thinking, marking an important time for the company.”

Piccioli has been with Valentino for 25 years and became the creative director in 2016. He’s dressed celebrities like Florence Pugh and Rihanna for the Met Gala, and Zendaya, Emily Blunt, and Carey Mulligan for the Academy Awards. He’s also known for his special color, PP Pink, which became really popular, especially for its Barbie-like vibe.

Jacopo Venturini, Valentino’s CEO, expressed gratitude to Pierpaolo for his role as creative director, praising his vision, commitment, and creativity that have shaped Valentino Maison to what it is today. Valentino’s chairman, Rachid Mohamed Rachid, also thanked Pierpaolo for his significant contribution over the past 25 years, acknowledging the indelible mark he leaves on the history of the Maison.

Regarding his departure, Pierpaolo Piccioli reflected on his 25-year journey with the company, stating that some stories don’t have a clear beginning or end but live in an eternal present, shining brightly without casting shadows. He expressed deep gratitude to the people he worked with, sharing dreams, creating beauty, and building something enduring together. Piccioli emphasized the love, dreams, beauty, and humanity woven into their collective efforts, which he carries with him forever.

He continued, describing the beauty they created as life, hope, opportunity, and gratitude, attributing it to the collaboration of his team and the support of Valentino and Giancarlo Giammetti. Piccioli thanked everyone who contributed to their journey, expressing it as a privilege and honor to share dreams and experiences with them.

Piccioli’s latest fashion show featured different shades of black instead of the usual pink. There’s going to be a change in the creative team at Valentino soon. Mayhoola owns Valentino, but in 2023, Kering fashion group also became a part owner by investing 30 percent in the brand.

Report on Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli with fashion brand

​Pierpaolo Piccioli, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, is indeed leaving Valentino after an impressive 25 years with the renowned fashion house. His departure marks the end of an era at Valentino, as he has played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s vision and redefining its identity following the retirement of its founder, Valentino Garavani.

During his illustrious tenure, Piccioli made significant contributions to Valentino’s success and evolution. Initially joining as an accessories designer in 1999, he steadily ascended to the position of joint creative director alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri in 2008. Together, they revitalized Valentino’s handbag and eyewear collections, introduced the brand’s diffusion line Red Valentino, and oversaw its entire range of accessories. Their efforts significantly enhanced Valentino’s international prestige.

However, it was in 2016, following Chiuri’s departure to Dior, that Piccioli assumed the role of sole creative director. In this capacity, he continued to modernize Valentino’s DNA while preserving its timeless elegance. Notably, he emphasized inclusivity and diversity, resulting in a new cohort of brand ambassadors and fashion shows featuring diverse models. Under his leadership, Valentino achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming a billion-dollar brand and setting fashion trends, such as the “PP Pink” phenomenon and the rise of “Barbiecore.”

Furthermore, Piccioli placed a strong emphasis on couture, with a keen focus on showcasing the craftsmanship of seamstresses and integrating their work into the runway presentations. His designs, adorned by numerous celebrities, including Zendaya, Glenn Close, and Jennifer Lopez, left a lasting impression on the red carpet. Memorable moments such as Frances McDormand’s yellow jumpsuit and teal cape at the 2018 Met Gala underscored Piccioli’s influence and creativity in the industry.

While the reasons for Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli departure are not explicitly stated, it appears to be a mutual decision between him and Valentino. Jacopo Venturini, the CEO of Valentino, lauded Piccioli’s invaluable contributions over the past 25 years, affirming that his imprint on the brand is indelible.

Despite the momentous transition at Valentino, the future plans of Pierpaolo Piccioli remain undisclosed. The fashion world eagerly anticipates his next steps following his departure from the iconic fashion house.

As of the latest information, Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli has yet to announce a successor for the role of creative director following Piccioli’s departure. This leaves the fashion industry in anticipation as to who will inherit the creative mantle at Valentino and lead the brand into its next chapter.