By Madeleine Foster
Photography by Valentina Sommariva
The answer to the question that has been on everyone's lips for the last few months was just announced.
Valentino has officially appointed Alessandro Michele as its new creative director. Known for his flamboyant and gender-fluid designs during his tenure at Gucci, Michele takes the helm following the departure of Pierpaolo Piccioli, who stepped down after 25 years with the brand.
his news comes after speculation following Piccioli's departure being announced. Michele, who left Gucci in November 2022, was a frontrunner for the position due to his impressive track record, and reported good standing with Valentino's CEO, Jacopo Venturini, from their previous collaborations. His arrival at Valentino marks a new chapter for the Italian fashion house. Valentino is renowned for its romantic and elegant aesthetic, whilst Michele is known for celebrating self-expression. Fashion enthusiasts eagerly await to see how Michele will blend his vision with Valentino's heritage, potentially creating a unique and exciting direction for the brand.
Industry insiders are particularly curious about how Michele will approach Valentino's couture collections, a realm he has yet to explore extensively. His expertise in creating viral moments and building a dedicated fanbase could also prove instrumental in propelling Valentino to a new level of engagement.
As Valentino has confirmed Michele's appointment, details regarding his first collection have also been revealed. Michele will begin his role on April 2nd, with his first show taking place during the Spring/Summer 2025 season in Paris this September. One thing is certain: the fashion world sits in high anticipation for what this powerhouse designer will bring to the brand.
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