Famous Italian luxury brand Valentino and longtime creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli have announced they are parting ways.
A statement from Valentino and Piccioli said the split after 25 years was a "mutual decision to end the collaboration", with the company praising the designer for his "vision, dedication and innovative spirit".
Valentino will soon announce a new creative partnership.
"I have been with this company for 25 years and for 25 years I have existed and lived with the people who wove the fabric of this beautiful story that is mine and ours," Piccioli said.
Until 2016, he was a colleague of Maria Grazia Chiuri, before she moved to the top job at Dior.
Valentino is controlled by Qatari investment fund Mayhoola For Investments, while French luxury group Kering has a 30 percent stake.
The brand was founded in Rome in 1960 by designer Valentino Garavani and his partner in business and life Giancarlo Giametti. /BGNES
