"I wanted to get the modernity, because that’s what my job is about, delivering a beauty that reflects the time in which we are living.”

 

EDUCATION AND BACKGROUND

Pierpaolo Piccioli was born in Rome and raised in Nettuno, Italy. As a child, he often felt like an outsider, sensing that he was bound for a creative led life. He initially enrolled at the University of Rome alongside his girlfriend at the time, but soon realized that his true passion was within the fashion world. This led him to transfer to the Istituto Europeo di Design, where he refined his creative vision and technical skills. While studying, he was scouted by Brunello Cucinelli and completed an internship with the company. After graduating in 1989, he began laying the foundation for what would become one of the most influential careers in contemporary fashion.

 

EARLY CAREER AND MARIA GRAZIA CHIURI PARTNERSHIP

A year after graduation, Piccioli joined Fendi as an accessories designer, where he met Maria Grazia Chiuri. The two quickly formed a creative partnership that would shape both of their careers. In 1999, they left Fendi and joined Valentino as accessories designers, helping modernize the house while maintaining its rich heritage. Their collaborative approach balanced innovation with tradition, earning recognition throughout the industry. When founder Valentino Garavani retired in 2007, he selected the duo to succeed him as co-creative directors in 2008, marking the beginning of a transformative era for the brand.

 

 

VALENTINO AND THE COUTURE SPACE

As co-creative directors and later as sole creative director following Chiuri's departure to Dior in 2016, Piccioli redefined Valentino for a new generation. He stayed deeply committed to the house's codes, embracing its romantic silhouettes, bold use of color, and couture heritage while introducing a more contemporary perspective. For Piccioli, couture was not simply a symbol of exclusivity but a platform for creativity, craftsmanship, and emotional expression. His collections brought renewed relevance to haute couture, attracting younger audiences and positioning Valentino as one of fashion's most influential voices. Under his leadership, the house demonstrated that couture could remain culturally significant in the modern era.

 

 

LEADING A NEW BALENCIAGA

In 2025, Piccioli was appointed creative director of Balenciaga, beginning a new chapter in his career. He has often cited Cristóbal Balenciaga as one of his greatest inspirations, making the appointment feel like a natural evolution of his creative journey. Piccioli's design philosophy shares many similarities with Cristóbal's approach, particularly in the exploration of silhouette, volume, fabric manipulation, and the relationship between clothing and the body. At Balenciaga, he has sought to lead with emotion, craftsmanship, and cultural relevance at the forefront of his vision. His debut collection successfully bridged his own aesthetic with the architectural forms and innovative techniques that Cristóbal pioneered, creating a dialogue between the house's historic legacy and its future direction.

 

 

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