A 25-YEAR MARRIAGE COMES TO AN END!
PierPaolo Piccioli announced his departure from the creative direction of Valentino, one of Italy's most iconic brands.
In 1999, PierPaolo joined the maison, initially leading the creation of accessories, specifically bags and eyewear. In 2008, in partnership with Maria Grazia Chiuri, they began to sign the creative direction of the Maison. The duo continued strong for 8 years until 2016, when Maria Grazia departed for Dior, leaving PierPaolo to definitively take the reins of the Maison.
After 8 years, Piccioli undoubtedly becomes not only part of the history but also the DNA of the Maison. It won't be easy to separate the designer's image from that of Valentino.
In an emotional and love-filled letter, PierPaolo expresses his gratitude for this successful journey. According to him, not all stories have a beginning and an end; they simply continue to exist through a glow that never fades. And his story with Valentino will remain linked through the love exchanged over these 25 years.
In the open letter, PierPaolo declared: "I have been with this company for 25 years, and for 25 years I have existed and lived with the people who wove the threads of this beautiful story, which is mine and ours. Everything existed and exists thanks to the people I met, with whom I worked, with whom I shared dreams and created beauty, with whom I built something that belongs to everyone and remains immutable and tangible." He also thanked Mr. Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti, founders of the Maison.
PierPaolo, born in 1967 in Nettuno, Italy, began his career in fashion at Fendi, where he worked in accessories creation before joining Valentino.
Undoubtedly, PierPaolo has been the heart of the maison over these years. With his creations full of love, we will never forget the Pink PP that went viral and spread worldwide, the incredible runway show on the steps of Piazza di Spagna where it all began, the It-bag VLogo Moon, and many other iconic accessories, the collection presented at the Château de Versailles, and not to mention his latest collection "LE NOIR." No one could have imagined it would be a farewell.
PierPaolo did not give hints about his future, but he made sure to say that he feels "Giovane e Libero," young and free, and full of dreams. We eagerly await to share his next steps.
Photos by @crisvidalph
