Pier Paolo Piccioli & Maria Grazia Chiuri

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli completed their training in fashion design at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Rome.

Maria Grazia and Pier Paolo met at Fendi, where they worked for ten years; during this time they established their creative talent in the fashion world.

Chiuri and Piccioli immediately built a strong professional relationship. Countering the minimalist trend of those years and focusing on a sophisticated and exclusive style, they played a key role in the creation of some of the most celebrated Fendi bags.

In 1999, Valentino Garavani personally approached Maria Grazia and Pier Paolo, asking them to create a line of accessories that could interpret the style of the Valentino house. Chiuri and Piccioli were excited by this new challenge and by the chance to work alongside a master of Italian haute couture.

They began by designing accessories of exceptional glamour, which reflected Valentino’s attention to exquisite couture details in all his garments.

This led to the creation of collections with matching bags, shoes, jewels, shawls, suitcases, as well as belts and eyewear. These day and evening accessories are always characterised by haute couture elegance and the unmistakeable Valentino style.

In September 2007, after Mr Valentino’s decision to retire from the fashion world, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli were appointed Creative Directors of the Valentino accessory lines.

The success of the Roman duo’s fresh and original style has consolidated through the years, thanks to the unanimous approval it has received from the leading figures of the fashion world. Hollywood stars, socialites and fashion leaders wear and value Valentino accessories.

October 4th 2008 Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli are appointed as Creative Directors for Valentino.