Valentino's creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, has been named Designer of the Year at the 2021 Fashion Awards. The prestigious award recognizes Piccioli's outstanding contributions to the fashion industry, including his innovative designs and commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Piccioli has been with Valentino since 1999, and took over as creative director in 2016. Since then, he has transformed the brand with his bold and colorful designs, which have been celebrated for their romanticism, femininity, and modernity.
Under Piccioli's leadership, Valentino has also become a leader in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. The brand has launched several initiatives to support underrepresented communities, including partnerships with organizations like I-Weigh and the NAACP.
In accepting the award, Piccioli thanked his team at Valentino and acknowledged the challenges of the past two years, saying, "It's been a difficult time for everyone, but I believe that fashion has the power to bring people together and create positive change."
The Fashion Awards, which are organized by the British Fashion Council, celebrate the most influential and innovative designers, brands, and creatives in the fashion industry. This year's ceremony was held in London and was attended by a host of fashion industry insiders and celebrities.