Valentino To Open First Menswear Stores

Valentino is launching its first dedicated menswear stores as part of an expansion of its men's business. The news comes as the brand prepares to unveil its autumn/winter 2013-14 menswear collection in Paris tomorrow - having previously been part of the Florence Pitti Uomo schedule - in keeping with the Valentino women's ready-to-wear show.

"Florence was fantastic, but Valentino is connected to Paris historically, it's always shown there and we want to offer a global vision of the brand," designer Maria Grazia Chiuri stated.

The Future Of Valentino Menswear

"Men's can now be associated with Place Vendôme, our headquarters and the brand," added fellow designer Pierpaolo Piccioli, emphasising an importance on having "the same execution" for men and women: "We didn't overturn the men's category, but changed it from within, with more interesting constructions and fabrics."

With new financial support from Qatar-based company Mayhoola for Investments - which acquired Valentino Fashion Group SpA in July - the label will open a string of new menswear boutiques, starting with Paris, followed by London and then Milan. Chiuri and Piccioli have enlisted the help of architect David Chipperfield to construct an aesthetic for the stores.