Former Gucci designer Alessandro Michele named Valentino creative director

Alessandro Michele has been named the new creative director at storied Roman luxury house Valentino, following the sudden departure last week of Pierpaolo Piccioli after 25 years (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP, File)

Alessandro Michele, the flamboyant former designer at Gucci, has been named the new creative director at storied Roman luxury house Valentino.

The appointment of Mr Michele follows the sudden departure of Pierpaolo Piccioli last week after 25 years.