An Inside Look at the Future of Maison Valentino

This week, WWD has all the details on Alessandro Michele's appointment as Creative Director of Valentino. Also, take a look at Pierpaolo Piccioli's legacy after 25 years at the brand. Plus, see which of your favorite beauty brands are exploring a sale.

Valentino Confirms Alessandro Michele as Creative?Director

Valentino has confirmed the arrival of Alessandro Michele as creative director of the Rome-based couture house. He succeeds Pierpaolo Piccioli, who exited the brand on Friday after 25 years. Michele left his role as creative director of Gucci in November 2022.

MIchele starts Tuesday, according to an internal statement. His first collection will be for spring 2025.

Read on here for the full story.

Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Legacy at Valentino: Everyday Grandeur and All Ages Red?Carpets

The news broken by WWD that Pierpaolo Piccioli would be leaving Valentino just days after Dries Van Noten revealed his retirement was a one-two punch for fashion.

While they are leaving under different circumstances, the developments certainly feel like a changing of the guard — and of priorities — in luxury.

What was Piccioli’s influence? To me, he ushered a grand simplicity into fashion, along with a remarkable sense of color, mega volumes and drama, of course. He also brought a new modesty to the red carpet , offering women options beyond the low-cut, high-slit, nearly nude looks that have traditionally dominated.

Read on here for Executive Editor, West Coast, Booth Moore's column on Piccioli's legacy.

Many Makeup Brands Are Exploring Deal?Options

Industry speculation that makeup would be 2024’s hottest M&A target is quickly becoming a reality.

The category, now years into a post-pandemic rebound and still prestige beauty’s largest segment in the U.S., has seen a plethora of entrants — most of whom have grown both the overall pie and their slices of it —?exploring exit options.

Read on here for the full story.

H&M’s New CEO Daniel Ervér Plans to Upscale Fashion, Retail Experience While Lowering?Prices

Sales down, profit up. Lowering prices, upscaling design. If new H&M Group chief executive officer Daniel Ervér was looking for “exciting friction,” he got it in first-quarter results revealed Wednesday.

Ervér used the term in defining what the company is aiming for in its long-term goals — a mix of fashion-forward clothing with a stronger emphasis on design, while decreasing prices particularly in the U.S.

Read on here for the full story.

Check out more of this week's top stories here:

• Statement Bags and Big Smiles at Shanghai Fashion?Week
• The Global Secondhand Market Grew Faster Than Traditional Retail Last Year, According to ThredUp’s Annual?Report
• Valentino Sitting Out Menswear, Couture?Shows
• Viral Mob Wife Trend Means Furry Coats Are a Must-have for?Fall