Pierpaolo Piccioli leaves Valentino. The Italian fashion house said it had agreed with its creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli to end their collaboration.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to Pierpaolo for writing an important chapter in the history of the Maison Valentino. His contribution over the past 25 years will leave an indelible mark," Valentino's chairman Rachid Mohamed Rachid said. Piccioli started working at Valentino in 1999 and took on the role of sole creative director in 2016 after an initial period at the helm of the style office of the Roman brand since 2008 together with Maria Grazia Chiuri, who subsequently moved to the helm of Dior womenswear in 2016.

On Instagram, Piccioli shared this message: "Not all stories have a beginning and an end, some live a kind of eternal present that shines with an intense light, so strong that it leaves no shadows. I have been in this company for 25 years, and for 25 years I have existed and lived together with the people who with me have woven the threads of this beautiful story that is mine and ours. Everything existed and exists thanks to the people I have met, with whom I have worked, with whom I have shared dreams and created beauty, with whom I have built something that belongs to everyone, and which remains immutable and tangible. I carry this heritage of love, dreams, beauty, and humanity with me, today and forever." The post continues thanking Valentino Garavani, Giancarlo Giammetti, and his team: "It has been a privilege and an honor to share my journey, and my dreams, with you."

Photo @ David Sims. Courtesy of Valentino