A WWD article from a few hours ago reports that Giambattista Valli is about to regain control of his Paris-based fashion maison. In fact, the Italian fashion designer has reportedly reached an agreement to acquire full ownership of the brand from Artémis, the investment arm of billionaire Pinault’s family, which had initially acquired a minority stake in 2017, rising to majority control in 2021.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. However, in a joint statement also reported on Valli’s social channels, it says the agreement was “reached in a spirit of mutual respect and responsibility” and “marks the beginning of a new chapter” for the 59-year-old designer. Valli himself said, “This agreement now allows me to fully regain control of my brand and continue its development with enthusiasm and energy. I would like to thank Artémis for its support and commitment to the maison over all these years.” In the statement, Artémis emphasized its contribution to the brand’s growth, saying it had helped “structure the maison, expand the collections, and strengthen its international presence.” François-Henri Pinault, chairman of the holding company, in turn commented on the transaction, saying he was “delighted to support Mr. Giambattista Valli and his creative vision so singular and rigorous.” He added, “After years of stimulating collaboration, a new chapter now opens in this entrepreneurial adventure, and I wish Giambattista every success in the next phase of his journey.”
Artémis had long been in the process of a possible sale of the brand, led by investment bank Rothschild & Co. During this phase of uncertainty, Valli had canceled last January’s haute couture show and did not present a ready-to-wear collection for fall 2026 at Paris Fashion Week in March, a decision that drew much attention in the industry. At that time, the fashion house had explained to WWD that it was engaged in an “in-depth reflection on the organization of its activities to ensure their long-term sustainability.” At the same time, the company and private sales specialist Arlettie had organized several “friends and family” sales to reduce inventory.
Founded in 1992 by François Pinault, Artémis is a holding company with investments in a number of international companies, including Puma, Courrèges, Christie’s, CAA, Breizh Café, cruise operator Ponant, and media outlets Le Point and Point de Vue. In recent years he has also been considering the sale of his stake in Puma. Biographically, Rome-born Giambattista Valli launched his eponymous brand in Paris in 2005 after seven years of experience in ready-to-wear alongside Emanuel Ungaro. He had previously gained experience at maisons such as Roberto Capucci, Fendi, and Krizia. Once she started her own label, she quickly gained the attention of an audience of iconic women in international fashion, including Diane Kruger, Bianca Brandolini, Charlotte Dellal, Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece and Lauren Santo Domingo, known as the “Valli girls.” Among the many celebrities who have worn her creations on the red carpet are Ariana Grande, Kendall Jenner, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Fan Bingbing. In 2011, Valli officially entered the world of haute couture as a guest member, earning the appellation of maison de haute couture by the end of the year. On that occasion Charlotte Casiraghi wore one of her dresses for the wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco, just days before her first official fashion show. His track record also includes serving as creative director of Moncler’s Gamme Rouge line, a post he held from 2008 to 2017, during which he reinterpreted women’s outerwear in a couture key with garments such as tulle bomber jackets and sophisticated down jackets.
Stylistically, Valli is recognized for an aesthetic that combines feminine daywear with a Parisian flair and dramatic evening gowns in draped chiffon and layered tulle. The collaboration between Artémis and Valli had begun in 2017, based on a shared “passion for art, freedom of expression and creativity.” In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, the two parties had appointed Charlotte Werner, from Louis Vuitton, as managing director. Werner remained in office for three years, saying she expanded the brand’s geographic and digital presence and supported its growth. During the same period, Valli moved the maison’s headquarters to new offices near the Opéra Garnier. After Werner’s exit, the position was not reassigned.
In recent years, Valli has also strengthened its presence in the bridal segment with the annual “Love Collection” capsule, distributed through trunk shows. Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week presented him with the Industry Impact Award 2025 for his contribution to the industry. Brides he has dressed include Amal Clooney, Jessica Biel, Tatiana de Pahlen, Selby Drummond and Noor Fares. Finally, during a ceremony at Paris Couture Week in July 2025, Valli was named an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters, a French award established in 1957 to honor those who have made significant contributions to the arts and culture.
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