Who Will Be Valentino's Next Creative Director?

After 25 years, Pierpaolo Piccioli is leaving Valentino.

The inimitable creative director took over after the brand's founder, Valentino Garavani, retired at the turn of the century, molding the Valentino that we know and love today. "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," the Italian designer shared in a statement.

Responsible for the fashion house's undeniable elegance and sophistication, Piccioli infused Valentino with ethereal silhouettes, dramatic and bold colors, as well as its trademark pointed stilettos. Always timeless yet on trend, Piccioli is the mastermind behind "Valentino Pink," fueling our love for the Barbie and celebrity-approved hue. Initially announced on Friday, the news broke just after the brand's Fall/Winter 2024 collection was shown at Paris Fashion Week. Piccioli's latest line was a stark contrast from his usual highly pigmented color palette as black was the singular shade, nodding to our current socio-political climate. Proving to be an ever thoughtful creative director, Piccioli stated before the show, "When you are aware of the darkness, you can look to the light, but we have to face that, not escape it."

Valentino co-founder Giancarlo Giammetti expressed his gratitude on Instagram, writing, "Thank you, PP for these twenty years together and may your path continue with your head held high and with the success you deserve."

 

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A post shared by Pierpaolo Piccioli (@pppiccioli)

Piccioli isn't the only one entering a new chapter as designer Dries Van Noten announced his departure on March 19, stating that his next menswear show in June would be his last. There is a clear changing of the guards in fashion happening that one can only wonder who the next generation of greats will be.

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