Alessandro Michele Named Creative Director of Valentino, Succeeding Pierpaolo Piccioli

Alessandro Michele has been announced as the new creative director of Valentino, taking over from Pierpaolo Piccioli who recently departed the couture house after 25 years of service. Previously serving as the creative director of Gucci's Luxe label, Alessandro left his position at Gucci in November 2022. He has now begun his new role at Valentino and is set to unveil his first collection for the brand in the upcoming spring 2025 season.

In a statement regarding his new position, Alessandro expressed his excitement and sense of responsibility in joining a prestigious fashion house like Valentino, known for its elegance, refinement, and grace. Alessandro's journey in the fashion industry began in 2002 when he joined the Gucci design studio after working as a senior accessories designer at Fendi. Over the years, he held various creative roles within the Gucci brand before officially becoming the creative director in 2015, where he brought a new, quirky, and androgynous aesthetic to the label.

On the other hand, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino's previous creative director, recently presented an all-black collection for Fall 2024 at Paris Fashion Week before stepping down from his position. He had been named solo creative director of Valentino in 2016. Valentino has announced that they will not be participating in menswear and couture weeks in June, typically held in Paris, as they transition under the leadership of Alessandro Michele.