Valentino Garavani has spoken, now the Alessandro Michele era can officially begin

TOlessandro Michele he certainly knows: it doesn't happen to everyone – and it doesn't always happen – to receive the blessing of the one and only Valentino Garavani. The creator of the maison that he himself founded in Rome in 1960 expressed his opinion on the new role given to the designer, former creative director of Gucci, who accepted the baton and legacy of the (ended) era of his predecessor Pierpaolo Piccioli.

«It is an honor to welcome Alessandro Michele to the world of Valentino! – the last emperor wrote on Instagram – A world in which creativity and elegance have always been values ​​of inspiration for us. With Giancarlo Giammetti, we are convinced that his vision, sensitivity and talent will further enrich our universe of style and beauty.” Giammetti, Valentino's longtime associate, also expressed his approval on social media. Not without thanking, once again, Pierpaolo Piccioli: «Two giants of fashion – he writes on Instagram, – two individuals in love with beauty, refinement and culture. Today I have the privilege of thanking Pierpaolo, for the incredible beauty he communicated, and of welcoming Alessandro, whose talent will create new emotions».

Words that certainly instill confidence not only in those who, like Alessandro Michele, today find themselves embracing another great challenge after the Gucci chapter. The public approval of Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti is also a balm for the heart for those who have not yet fully digested the (sudden and unexpected) passing of Pierpaolo Piccioli, and who knows, it might reassure even the most skeptical of how Alessandro Michele's eclectic style will soon be contextualized in the visual imagination of Valentine.

Also instilling confidence in the new beginning is Rachid Mohamed Rachid, the Valentino Chairman who stated in the official note: «Over the last twelve years, as a team, we have dedicated our time and resources to the development of Maison Valentino and its business to make it a world-class Haute Couture house based on the extraordinary heritage of Valentino Garavani, who fully represents the concept of elegance and beauty. We have managed to grow the reputation and size of the House more than fivefold, while gaining the loyalty and appreciation of our customers. The appointment of Alessandro Michele marks another crucial moment for Maison Valentino. Michele is an exceptional talent and this underlines our great ambitions for the Maison.”

Alessandro Michele, new creative director of Valentino.

COURTESY VALENTINO PRESS OFFICE

Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli leaves the creative direction

After 25 years with the brand, a press release announces the end of the relationship between the Roman fashion house and the highly regarded designer. A bolt from the blue that we hope will not deprive the fashion of one of the most poetic and refined creatives on the world scene

In fact, it is impossible to forget how Alessandro Michele proved to be a skilled connector of worlds and universes within Gucci, a master of philosophy, art, cosmogony, complex languages ​​that he himself simplified for everyone, through fashion and popular culture. «I am firmly convinced that with his singular creativity and sensitivity he will continue to elevate the eternal legacy of the brand and its identity as an unrivaled Italian Maison de Couture-continues Rachid Mohamed Rachid. – With Alessandro Michele a new page of excellence and infinite beauty is ready to be written in the history of Valentino».