The House of Valentino announced last week that it was replacing Creative Director Alessandra Facchinetti just days after the her latest collection hit the runway. To say it was a short lived relationship is an understatement. Less than one year and just 3 collections (including Couture) Facchinetti is out.
It sounds shocking, but it is not unheard of with Italian houses, who lets just say can be dramatic and swift in their decision making. Her replacement or I should say replacements.. are Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli who have been working for Valentino for more than 10 years. The namesake designer himself was critical of Facchinetti and vocal in his disdain for her lack of homage to his legacy. Maria and Pier are very well liked and very down to earth - so it could be a great move. After all, when Stella left Chloe, her number 2 was Phoebe Philo who went on to be become hugely successful for the brand.
Sometimes, big companies are hesitant to give the job to the people who deserve it. Bravo to Chiur and Piccioli. It is unfortunate however that Ms. Faccinetti heard about her dismissal from the media and not from company executives. OUCH! Lets all stay tuned!
