Creative Director, Valentino S.p.A. (Maison Valentino)
Alessandro Michele: “There Is Always Mr. Valentino Somewhere With Me.” | The BoF Podcast
Alessandro Michele sits down with Imran Amed to reflect on his evolution as a designer, his deep connection to Valentino’s heritage, and the importance of passion and obsession in achieving creative success.
Alessandro Michele’s whimsical, bold vision as creative director of Gucci revitalised the brand, turning it into a cultural juggernaut. Now, he’s attempting to do the same at Valentino, bringing his signature blend of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and artistic risk-taking to reimagine the Roman couture house.
“This place has such a specific story,” he says. That name, Valentino—it’s a real...
Transcript (40 segments)
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Imran Amed0:00
Alessandro, it's a pleasure to be here. You've been in this new office for three months. We're talking about success for the BoF 500 podcast. You're clearly a success, but you're having a second moment. My first question: how do you define success?
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Alessandro Michele1:10
Imran, it's a big question. I think of success not as a pyramid but as a circle. You move to where you feel comfortable. It's about being in the right place and being free to be yourself. Success is sharing what you do with people who believe in the same things. I don't really like the word 'success'.
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Imran Amed3:23
I like the circle metaphor. Let's go back to when you started at Gucci. You were plucked from the background after working with Tom Ford and Frida Giannini. How did you feel when you were given that opportunity?
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Alessandro Michele3:53
I felt there was something interesting and big. It was a love affair. I already knew the company. I had fun with friends. It was eight years of joy. I put my real life on the table, and it came quickly because it was real. I didn't expect the reaction – people were polarized. Some loved it, some were against it. That's good energy.
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Imran Amed8:27
You started from your gut, but it became the biggest turnaround in fashion. You went from background to spotlight. How did you cope?
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Alessandro Michele9:01
I didn't feel under the spotlight. I was focused on working with my friends in a bubble. When it got bigger, I tried to ignore it. I'm not shy, but I don't like being on stage. I prefer small groups.
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Imran Amed10:40
Your job involved millions of people online reacting in polarizing ways. How do you protect your creativity with all that scrutiny?
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Alessandro Michele11:08
I try to focus on what makes me happy. I'm 52 and I enjoy who I am. I don't read comments. People can say what they want. I never expected to be a pop star. I'm from a different generation; social media feels not real to me. Real life is what I can see and touch.
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Imran Amed15:04
Why did you part ways with Gucci?
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Alessandro Michele15:11
It was personal. I felt the pressure. It's like a relationship; I knew it was time. I left happy with no regrets. I'm still the same person. I look back at Gucci beautifully.
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Imran Amed18:14
You've had to stay true to yourself and not let success change you.
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Alessandro Michele18:33
I don't need to change. I want to be myself. Society pushes you to change, but you must be who you are. Feeling life is God.
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Imran Amed20:04
What did you do in that year and a half between jobs? How did you navigate that time?
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Alessandro Michele20:28
I stayed home, no travel. I spent time with friends and family, walked in Rome, enjoyed simple things like long breakfasts and museum visits. It was a rich, pressure-free time.
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Imran Amed23:01
Did you discover anything about yourself when you stopped for the first time?
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Alessandro Michele23:12
I discovered the kid inside me. I'm still a kid. I found that spirit again. I feel like a wild animal. My greatest fear is losing my freedom.
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Imran Amed25:56
Why is that your greatest fear?
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Alessandro Michele26:04
I fought for freedom my whole life. People don't like it when you're free. It's hard to keep alive. I ask myself if I'm really free.
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Imran Amed26:46
Did you ever think you might not go back to fashion? Did it take away your freedom?
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Alessandro Michele27:05
I thought I'd be more free, but freedom is a state of mind. You can be free working. The first year was hard with speculation and paparazzi. But I feel free now working with people I like.
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Imran Amed29:54
How did you decide to come to Valentino? Why this opportunity?
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Alessandro Michele30:18
I followed my instinct. Valentino is a fascinating place with a unique story. I loved the idea of working with Jacopo again. We have fun and respect each other. We are building a healthy house step by step.
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Imran Amed35:10
Yeah, of yourself.
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Alessandro Michele35:16
I work hard, I fight with myself, I'm obsessed. We try to make it easy and fun.
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Imran Amed35:34
You have trust, which is essential for taking risks.
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Alessandro Michele35:57
Beautiful risks mean life. Couture is a new challenge. Fashion creates moments that disappear – that's beautiful.
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Imran Amed38:24
Have you and Jacopo a plan, or are you taking it step by step?
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Alessandro Michele39:32
We share things naturally. It's like a love affair. We respect each other. We are building a healthy house step by step. I feel Valentino's presence.
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Imran Amed41:35
What makes it unique?
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Alessandro Michele41:56
I feel Valentino's presence in the archive. The fabrics and embroidery are beautiful. I felt I was in bed with Valentino. I met him before. I think of him every day.
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Imran Amed44:59
Your pre-collection surprised people. Tim said you were doing Valentino at Gucci, and now you can do Valentino at Valentino. Does that resonate?
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Alessandro Michele45:44
Valentino is a big reference. I was inspired by his 1970s aesthetic. The pre-collection is me. I'm working with my instinct. I don't know what the September show will be – it's theatrical magic.
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Imran Amed51:19
This time there are expectations and anticipation. Do you feel more pressure?
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Alessandro Michele52:05
No, not really. It's about me. I'm disconnected from expectations. I hope people enjoy fashion. I do what I feel.
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Imran Amed54:32
What advice do you have for young creatives who want to be successful while being themselves?
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Alessandro Michele55:12
Be yourself and fight for your beliefs. Follow your passion, even if it's crazy. Let your instinct guide you. Passion makes you happy.
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Imran Amed57:01
What do you do when things go wrong? How do you keep going?
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Alessandro Michele57:36
When I was young, fashion was a distant dream. I had the strength to wait. Young people think it's quick, but it takes time. Enjoy the process, including the things you didn't do. I like myself for my mistakes.
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Imran Amed1:01:01
Thank you for sharing. We really need your advice.
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Alessandro Michele1:01:19
Thank you, Imran. Always a pleasure.