Thanks to the collaborators. And on the future: «I feel young and free»
And he added: «I carry this heritage of love, dreams, beauty and humanity with me, today and forever. This is the beauty we have created, it is life, hope, opportunity and gratitude, it is my people, my heart, it is the love that gives you all the possibilities in the world, especially those that you could not imagine alone. Thanks to every single person who made all of this possible in one way or another, it has been a privilege and an honor to share my journey, and my dreams, with you. And thanks to Mr. Valentino and Giancarlo Giammetti who gave me theirs.”
On his Instagram account, Piccioli then told a series of personal and intimate anecdotes: «Antonietta’s perfect hairstyles remain with me, Simona’s face telling me that we are waiting for Pietro two weeks after my arrival here, the fantastic visions of Giammetti and Valentino red.” Finally, a look at the future: «Stella (the daughter, ed.) was two years old when she came to see my first fashion show, she is about to turn 18 and the other evening she asked me: “How do you feel?” “Young and free,” I replied. I give you my eyes to see you as I see you. Young and free. And full of dreams. Always”.
The reactions on social media, from Valentino to Sabato De Sarno
Among the most recent comments on the news, that of Valentino Garavani, founder of the maison in 1960, who wrote on his Instagram profile: «Thank you @pppiccioli, first and foremost for your friendship, respect and support. You are the only designer I know who hasn’t tried to distort the codes of a great brand by imposing others and the megalomania of a ridiculous ego. When I retired I said: “I want to leave the party when it’s still full of people.” And the same happens to you, PP, the party is full of people and everyone applauds you. Thanks friend!”.
Words of esteem also from Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino Garavani’s life and business partner, who commented on Piccioli’s announcement on Instagram: «We love you and we are proud of what you have given to our company and to the name that door, you were able to describe Valentino in your own way but with enormous respect and love for the standards that Valentino created, thank you PP for these 20 years together and may your journey continue with your head held high and with the success you deserve.”
The farewell was commented on by some of the most important in international fashion: «What an extraordinary Valentino you made. What a gift for everyone there and for all of us,” wrote Marc Jacobs. Designer Brian Atwood, however, commented: «you have created the beauty that dreams are made of. What a good PP.” Zac Posen writes «you made magic and brought elegance, imagination and drama. You honored a master while continuing to nourish your voice.” Supermodel Naomi Campbell calls him “a divine storyteller, a visionary… proud to have worked with you, and I await your new chapter.” Finally, Sabato De Sarno, Piccioli’s former right-hand man who last year made his debut as creative director of Gucci (with the first months of the market launch of his creations partially “photographed” in a negative quarterly) wrote «I had the privilege to share a part of this journey with you. And it was unforgettable.”