The fashion world is abuzz with the news of Valentino’s new creative director, Alessandro Michele, the former Gucci designer who left the brand in 2022. Known for his transformative work at Gucci, where he turned the brand into a $10 billion powerhouse, Michele is set to bring his unique vision to Valentino.
Michele’s appointment comes after the departure of Pierpaolo Piccioli, who had been with Valentino until last week. The news was first reported by Vogue Business, and it signals a new chapter for the iconic fashion house.
With his signature style of inclusivity and magpie references, Michele is expected to breathe new life into Valentino and help the brand compete with industry giants like Dior and Hermès. His work at Gucci was favored by celebrities like Jared Leto, Harry Styles, and Dakota Johnson, and his return to the heart of the fashion world is highly anticipated.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Michele expressed his honor at joining Maison Valentino and his excitement for the immense responsibility ahead. The appointment also reunites Michele with Kering, the French conglomerate that owns Gucci and a significant stake in Valentino.
Rachid Mohamed Rachid, the chairman of Valentino, expressed the brand’s great ambitions for the future with Michele at the helm. Speculation about the designer’s appointment had been circulating since Piccioli’s departure, but now it’s official that Michele will be taking the reins.
Luxury analyst Luca Solca is cautiously optimistic about the appointment, noting that Valentino needs new ideas and Michele has a proven track record of reviving brands. The acid test, according to Solca, will be Michele’s ability to create a new vision for Valentino that is both distinct and convincing.
Michele’s first show at Valentino is expected to take place at Paris Fashion Week this September, giving the fashion world a glimpse of what’s to come under his creative direction. With his appointment set to begin on April 2, all eyes will be on Michele as he steps into his new role at Valentino.
