Valentino cancels fashion shows after Pierpaolo Piccioli's departure

Valentino has wiped its fashion show schedule clean, confirming that it will no longer present at Paris Men's Fashion Week and Haute Couture Week after its creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli stepped down.

The storied Italian house had previously planned to stage a men’s runway in Milan and has been a longtime fixture of Paris haute couture week, which has been moved from early July to late June this season in preparation for the Olympic Games.

This news follows last Friday's announcement that Valentino's creative director was stepping down after seven years at the helm. Piccioli took to Instagram, writing: "This is the beauty that we have created: life, hope, opportunity and gratitude, and my people, my heart, and the love that gives you all the possibilities of the world, especially those that you could not imagine alone.

Earlier this month, Piccioli presented his final collection for Valentino during Paris Fashion Week. Amidst a colourful sea of runways, it stood out. The Italian fashion house, which has become synonymous with pink, instead made the bold decision to present an entirely black collection.

In a statement, Valentino said: "Creativity will continue to lead the company as a key pillar, shaping new future collections in both women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and haute couture, elevating the brand’s DNA, its iconic codes and unrivalled Italian heritage."

Valentino is yet to announce a new creative director.