Maximalism is Back: Alessandro Michele’s Next Move with Valentino

In a move that sent ripples through the fashion world, Alessandro Michele has officially been named the new Creative Director of Valentino, following the departure of Pierpaolo Piccioli. Known for his theatrical flair and a penchant for emotional storytelling through fashion, Michele brings a new chapter of romanticism to Valentino—one that promises opulence, eccentricity, and narrative depth.

The Legacy Michele Inherits

For over two decades, Pierpaolo Piccioli was the beating heart of Valentino. Under his direction, the brand transformed into a house of quiet power and poetic minimalism. With silhouettes that felt like whispers and colors that stirred deep emotion—think the signature “Valentino Pink” Piccioli carved out a space where fashion felt deeply personal.

But now, the baton has been passed.

A New Chapter: Michele’s Maximalist Renaissance

Michele, who previously served as the creative force behind Gucci from 2015 to 2022, turned the house into a world of intellectual chaos—layered, eccentric, and dripping in historical references. His 2021 Gucci collections were a riot of embellishments, vintage silhouettes, and rich symbolism. Think oversized eyewear, feathered sleeves, embroidered tulle gowns, and pearl-studded accessories—a total embrace of maximalism as art.

This bold aesthetic clashed with the industry’s then-prevailing minimalism, but it worked. Michele didn’t just dress people; he told stories.

The Shift to Valentino: What We Know So Far

Michele’s appointment at Valentino was confirmed through an Instagram post that felt more like a love letter than a press release. With his signature grace and literary tone, he reflected on the brand’s soul and the people behind it:

“My first thought goes to this story: to the richness of its cultural and symbolic heritage, to the sense of wonder that it has been able to constantly generate, to the very precious identity that its founding fathers, Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti, gifted with unbridled love. These are references that have always been an indispensable source of inspiration for me and to which I intend to pay tribute by re-reading them through my creative vision.”

He went on to express heartfelt gratitude to Rachid Mohamed Rachid, chairman of Valentino, for the opportunity, calling it a “gift of the soul,” and to Jacopo Venturini, the CEO, with whom he previously worked at Gucci:

“Working with [Jacopo] again is a wonderful dream come true for me… capable of celebrating the daily falling in love with life, with his passions and his ability to care.”

These words mark not just a professional pivot, but a soulful homecoming—one that promises to honor Valentino’s heritage while setting the stage for bold reinvention.

 

Spring/Summer 2025: The Debut We’re Waiting For

Michele’s first collection for Valentino will debut during Paris Fashion Week in September 2024, showcasing the Spring/Summer 2025 line. If his past is any indication, we can expect:

 

• • Reinterpretations of Valentino’s red gowns through a surreal, layered lens

• • Regal embroidery and dramatic volumes

• • Gender-fluid silhouettes with emotional detailing

• • Archive reworks in unapologetic Michele fashion

As he merges the codes of two Italian fashion giants—Gucci and Valentino—Michele stands at the intersection of past grandeur and future fantasy.

This is not just a new creative appointment. It’s the birth of a new era at Valentino—one stitched in poetry, decadence, and radical love.