After 25 years at Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli is departing from the renowned Italian fashion house. Starting as an accessory designer, he eventually became co-creative director in 2008 alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri, who later left for Dior in 2016. Piccioli’s tenure at Valentino has been marked by his ability to capture the hearts of celebrities, creating unique and diverse designs for various prestigious events, including the Oscars and the Met Gala. His view of womanhood is multi-dimensional, allowing him to deliver both romantic, feather-trimmed gowns and edgy, diaphanous dresses with equal skill.
Throughout his time at Valentino, Piccioli has created numerous jaw-dropping red carpet moments that have left a lasting impression. Rihanna’s white drop-waisted, bump-forward dress at the 2023 Met Gala and Carey Mulligan’s gold two-piece set at the 2021 Oscars are just a few examples of his iconic designs. Piccioli’s “PP pink” collection also gained widespread recognition, with celebrities eagerly embracing the vibrant hue for red carpet appearances. However, it wasn’t just the stunning designs that made Piccioli popular; his personal connection with celebrities and his ability to understand and reflect their values and aspirations further endeared him to his clients.
One of the key factors behind Piccioli’s success at Valentino was his ability to connect with celebrities on a personal level. As Valentino ambassador Florence Pugh revealed in an interview with Vogue in July 2023, there was an instant connection and mutual admiration between her and Piccioli. Their shared values and beliefs aligned perfectly, which allowed them to form a strong bond and collaborate on creating memorable looks for various events. This personal touch and genuine connection with celebrities set Piccioli apart and contributed to the success of his designs on the red carpet.
Looking back at some of Pierpaolo Piccioli’s most memorable red carpet looks during his time at Valentino, it’s evident that his designs have left a lasting impact on the fashion industry. His ability to combine romance with edginess, classic elegance with modern flair, and vibrant colors with sophisticated silhouettes has earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative and influential designers in the industry. From Rihanna’s show-stopping dress at the Met Gala to Carey Mulligan’s daring ensemble at the Oscars, Piccioli’s creations have consistently pushed boundaries and set new trends in red carpet fashion.
As Pierpaolo Piccioli bids farewell to Valentino after a successful and transformative tenure, his legacy at the fashion house will undoubtedly be remembered fondly. From his humble beginnings as an accessory designer to his rise as co-creative director alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri, Piccioli has made an indelible mark on the fashion world with his unique designs and visionary approach to women’s fashion. His ability to connect with celebrities on a personal level, understand their values, and create designs that resonate with their individual styles will continue to inspire and influence the industry for years to come. As he embarks on a new chapter in his career, Piccioli’s contributions to fashion and the red carpet will undoubtedly be celebrated and cherished by fans and industry insiders alike.
