Alessandro Michele is the new creative director of Valentino

Alessandro Michele has been officially announced as the new creative director of Valentino. According to the news first reported by Vogue, April 2nd will be the first day of work for the Roman designer at the Piazza Manganelli ateliers, where he will present his first SS25 summer collection at Paris Fashion Week after the summer. Additionally, for the first time, Michele will oversee the creation of the brand's Haute Couture collections. According to the designer, starting next week, Michele will explore the brand's archives: "These references have always been a fundamental source of inspiration for me, and I intend to pay homage to that influence through my interpretation and creative vision," the designer stated.

The agreement reunites Michele with Kering, which had acquired a 30% stake in Valentino in recent months with the option to acquire the brand in its entirety by 2028 – an option that would obviously be exercised if the brand proves profitable. But considering what Michele has already done for Gucci years ago, success seems already assured.