Alessandro Michele named new creative director of Valentino after Gucci departure

Piccioli expressed gratitude for his 25-year journey with Valentino, emphasizing the meaningful relationships forged during his tenure.

Alessandro Michele resumed his role as a creative director, this time at Valentino. In a statement shared on social media Thursday, the brand announced Alessandro Michele's appointment as Creative Director, heralding the beginning of a new chapter to uphold the brand's unique values, heritage, and couture essence through Michele's distinct perspective and extensive experience. Michele expressed his gratitude for the appointment, describing it as "an incredible honor." He acknowledged the immense joy and significant responsibility accompanying his joining a Maison de Couture characterized by a collective narrative steeped in distinctive elegance, refinement, and extreme grace.

Highlighting the influence of Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti, the brand's founders, Michele emphasized their enduring impact on his creative journey. He vowed to honor their legacy through his own interpretation and creative vision. Michele's appointment followed his departure from Gucci in November 2022, where he had served as the creative director for seven years. He assumed the role formerly held by Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently parted ways with Valentino. Piccioli, renowned for his dramatic haute couture designs favored by celebrities like Zendaya, had been with Valentino since 1999, eventually becoming the sole creative director in 2016. Valentino's chairman, Rachid Mohamed Rachid, acknowledged Piccioli's significant contribution over the past 25 years, stating that it had left an indelible mark on the brand.