Pierpaolo Piccioli, 57, is an Italian designer who has spent nearly 25 years crafting ethereal beauty at Valentino. He has recently been confirmed as the creative director in Balenciaga. With his extensive experience, Yanki Chu reports the 10 things to know about Pierpaolo Piccioli
1. Previous experience
Piccioli worked at Valentino from 2008 to 2024, where his designing style was characterized by softness, femininity and elegance. He was hired alongside his friend Maria Grazia Chiuri to develop nascent accessories in 2008. Among their many successful creations is the iconic Valentino Rock Studded shoe. Prior to Valentino, he worked at Brunello Cuccinelli during his design studies and later under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld at Fendi.
2. Appointment in Balenciaga: debut in October 2025
The newly appointed Balenciaga CEO, Gianfranco Gianangeli, expressed excitement over Piccioli’s appointment as creative director, believing his vision will thrive and perfectly interpret the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga. His first collection for Balenciaga is set to debut in October 2025.
3. Family life
Born in Rome and raised in Nettuno, Piccioli cherishes his family life, living with his wife and three children. Despite his busy career and global fashion fame, he values family life, filling his home with personal touches like his children’s drawings and commuting an hour to work each day.
4. Evolution of his dream
A passionate film lover, Piccioli initially dreamed of becoming a movie director. However, after discovering fashion and recognizing his storytelling abilities, he decided to pursue a career as a designer.
5. Inspiration source
Much of Piccioli’s inspiration comes from Rome, with its rich layers of culture spanning from paganism to Christianity. His AW22 couture show, held on Rome’s iconic Spanish Steps, revolved around beauty and exquisite artisanship, highlighting an openness and generosity of spirit. He believes fashion is a force for change and possesses healing power.
6. Feminist designs
Piccioli uses design to tell stories of feminism, focusing on inclusivity, individuality, and the celebration of women’s freedom. His collections incorporate elements of strength, comfort, and body positivity, showcasing models with diverse body shapes, ethnicities, ages, and genders on the runway.
7. Awards
He has received the “Designer of the Year” award at the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Awards in both 2018 and 2022. These accolades recognize his transgenerational and international appeal and the notable impact he has made on the fashion industry. His brand has gained cult status among Gen Z and Gen Y.
8. Notable designs
Piccioli is better known for his haute couture than for elevated streetwear. He is recognized for his bold, sculptural silhouettes that play with volume and form, as well as for transforming the brand through fresh interpretations of classic aesthetics.
9. Use of color
His bold use of color has become a significant aspect of his design identity. He employs vibrant color combinations, such as the famous “PP Pink,” using color as a tool for immediate and direct communication. This approach has helped Piccioli stand out on the red carpet and across social media.
10. Strong connection with his team
Piccioli fosters a personal and professional relationship with his team. He often brings his seamstresses onstage for post-show bows, shining a light on team members in an industry where the spotlight typically focuses on the creative director or models. For the Spring 2018 couture show, he named each dress after a member of his team, including the four premier seamstresses.
