“Leaving Valentino? Low-grade gossip”. Alessandro Michele has denied reports that he is set to depart from the Roman fashion house, which is seeking a financial and economic revival. To achieve that, the former Gucci creative director is banking on accessories—handbags in particular. Michele also spoke about Armani, former Valentino CEO Jacopo Venturini, and the brand’s new chief executives, Riccardo Bellini (Valentino) and Luca de Meo (Kering).
Michele rejects talk of an exit from Valentino
“People love to gossip. Fashion has become mainstream, but the level of conversation has tragically declined”, Michele told WWD in an interview, rebutting speculation about his possible departure from the brand. He acknowledged the pressures faced by creative directors today: “It’s not easy to do our job in such a difficult period because everything around us moves at an incredibly fast pace. Results must be immediate and dazzling”.
A focus on accessories
To deliver those results, Valentino is placing heavy emphasis on accessories. Michele admitted to an “obsession” with handbags, which he collects “from all sorts of brands”. But he cautioned against expecting rapid growth, stressing that the category takes time to build. “Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli did an extraordinary job with the Rockstuds. We all come from the Fendi school”, he said. When asked whether he was considering brand extensions to boost revenues—jewellery, for example—Michele was unequivocal: “Valentino is not Gucci”.
Admiration for Armani
The creative director also turned to personalities. He paid tribute to Giorgio Armani: “In a world where we are compelled to change at all costs, remaining consistent is a sign of modernity”. He praised Armani’s lifelong independence: “He always decided for himself and never stopped believing in what he was doing”. Michele also reflected on former Valentino CEO Jacopo Venturini and the new leaders he now works alongside: Riccardo Bellini, who has succeeded Venturini, and Luca de Meo. “I am always positive about change, which can be a source of inspiration. We are at a moment when we should be changing, moving in a different direction. We are watching the world collapse; what worked before no longer works, and we must find a new balance”.
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