07 Jul Valentino Confirms Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Exit, Appoints Pierpaolo Piccioli Creative Director
Confirming a WWD report, the Rome-based group said the designer is “to pursue a new professional experience,” which sources say is to join Dior as its seventh couturier. Pierpaolo Piccioli will become sole creative director of Valentino. Together, the designers presented their swan song Valentino couture show in Paris on Wednesday evening.
“Valentino and the people with whom I work with are a great part of my life. My decision of bringing forward the creative guide of this maison is driven by the strong passion that triggers my work and by the desire of continuing to express here my stylistic vision,” said Piccioli.
Chiuri is leaving after 17 years with the brand and eight in her role as co-creative director, thanking founder Valentino Garavani and his business partner Giancarlo Giammetti, chief executive officer Stefano Sassi and the team at the house for their support. Chiuri said she had “shared with Pierpaolo a great part of [her] professional life and it has been an experience made of many successful creative achievements together.” She added she was “ready to embark on a new professional challenge.”