They worked side by side for 13 years, taking Valentino to the top of the world, but today it’s time for Sabato de Sarno to run and write your own story. With an Instagram post full of love and respect, Pierpaolo Piccioli wanted to salute his right hand who will begin a new solo adventure at the helm of Gucci in September. A big challenge for the Neapolitan designer who has embraced the legacy of Alessandro Michele by writing a new chapter of the house based on his own stylistic vision, combining innovation, continuity and brand recognition. Among his biggest supporters was his friend Pierpaolo.

“Me and Sabato. The same page. be on the same sidefeel the same without further ado and without regrets,” wrote Valentino’s creative director a week beforeDe Sarno ad by Gucci. “Nostalgia does not belong to us. We never celebrated the past because we always thought that all we needed was here and now,” the 55-year-old continues, before describing himself as “happy and proud” of the goal Sabato achieved. thanks to determination, talent and just “who you are”. A relationship that was born and cultivated over the years “collection after collection” (in recent years, Sarno was appointed fashion director of the men’s and women’s prêt-à-porter lines of the Roman brand). ed.), which led to a beautiful friendship that will not be spoiled by rivalry, envy and stumbling.

“I am happy because what you leave here you will take with you, because what was there is great and unharmed, because your colleagues here are rooting for you, and everyone will soon understand why,” concludes Pierpaolo with the most beautiful of compliments. “Good luck, buddy. I’ll be there to cheer you up, feel proud and say, “I knew it.”

Saturday’s answer is equally exciting. “Thank you PP, how can you say thank you after all this road? Shared the passion, found a guide, laughed and laughed again,” commented the new creative director of Gucci, “It is difficult to reconcile the emotions of travel with the lack of places we leave. But, in the end, we are the result of our experiences and our dreams.” A touching comment that ends with gratitude and a promise to respect all that has been, to write the future while living in the present and always remember the past well. “Thank you for everything we shared. Thank you for teaching me to dream. But above all, thank you for teaching me to be free. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. To a true friend” Thank you, PP. same page.

#respect and #friendship are the hashtags with which Pierpaolo wants to categorize and headline his message, which is an anthem for loyalty, correctness and intellectual honesty. Ideals that, to the detriment of upstarts, exist in the fashion business. Because you can be honest competitors, you can rejoice at each other’s successes, you can be friends even on opposite sides of the barricades. The pot is big enough for everyone and death of your life it is not in fashion now. “The same page always.”