Alessandro Michele, the former creative director of Gucci, has now been appointed as the new creative director of Valentino, following the departure of Pierpaolo Piccioli who had been with the Italian fashion house for 25 years. Michele expressed his joy and sense of responsibility in joining Valentino, a Maison de Couture known for its emphasis on beauty and grace. During his tenure at Gucci, Michele transformed the label into a glittering, androgynous brand that was beloved by celebrities like Harry Styles and Billie Eilish, leading to a surge in sales.
Starting on April 2, Michele will debut his first collection for Valentino as creative director during the spring/summer 2025 season at Paris Fashion Week in September. He expressed his admiration for the cultural heritage and sense of wonder associated with Valentino, paying tribute to the brand’s founding fathers, Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti. Founded in 1960 as a womenswear brand, Valentino is well-known for its romantic motifs and iconic pieces, expanding into menswear a decade later to become a revered fashion label.
Valentino’s CEO, Jacopo Venturini, hailed Alessandro Michele as an extraordinary professional with a strategic vision and sensibility that would elevate the brand’s couture codes and heritage, adding that Michele’s creative vision would lead to desirable and emotionally engaging designs. The chairman of Valentino, Rachid Mohamed Racid, described Michele’s appointment as creative director as a pivotal moment for the fashion house, signifying the beginning of a new era. Michele’s decision to remain in his home city of Rome is not surprising, given his fondness for its charm and welcoming atmosphere, with his new office located just a few minutes from his hometown.
Michele expressed his feelings of joy and gratitude at the opportunity to work with Valentino, finding it hard to put into words the immense happiness he feels. His appointment as creative director by Valentino is seen as a positive development for the brand, with his unique vision and sensibility expected to bring new energy and creativity to the label. Venturini praised Michele for his intelligence, pragmatism, and ability to combine tradition with innovation, highlighting his excitement to collaborate with the designer once again. Overall, Michele’s arrival at Valentino marks a significant moment in the brand’s history, with high expectations for the future of the fashion house under his leadership and creative direction. In conclusion, Alessandro Michele’s transition from Gucci to Valentino represents a new chapter in his career, one that is anticipated to bring fresh ideas and a renewed sense of creativity to the iconic Italian fashion label.
