Giambattista Valli is reclaiming full ownership of his namesake Parisian fashion house. The Italian designer reached an agreement to buy out Artémis, the private investment arm of the billionaire Pinault family, which first took a minority stake in 2017 and assumed majority control in 2021. Financial terms were not disclosed, but a joint statement described the deal as "reached in a spirit of mutual respect and responsibility" and "the beginning of a new chapter" for the 59-year-old designer.
Valli said in a statement shared exclusively with WWD: "This agreement now enables me to fully regain control of my brand and to pursue its development with enthusiasm and energy. I would like to thank Artémis for its support and commitment to the maison throughout all these years." Artémis helped structure the house, expand its collections, and strengthen its international presence.
François-Henri Pinault, chairman of Artémis, said his family office was "delighted to support Mr. Giambattista Valli and to stand behind such a singular and demanding creative vision. After years of an inspiring collaboration, a new chapter is now opening in this entrepreneurial adventure, and I wish Giambattista every success in the next stage of his journey." Pinault, who often sat front row at Valli's shows with his wife Salma Hayek, is a longtime fan of the designer.
Artémis had been quietly exploring a sale in recent months, led by Rothschild & Co. During that process, Valli canceled his January haute couture show and skipped the fall 2026 ready-to-wear presentation in March. Artémis told WWD at the time that the house was "currently engaged in a thorough reflection on the organization of its activities in order to ensure their long-term sustainability." The company also held sample sales with Arlettie to clear old inventory.
Valli launched his signature brand in Paris in 2005, after designing ready-to-wear for Emanuel Ungaro and earlier stints at Roberto Capucci, Fendi, and Krizia. He quickly attracted a following of stylish women known as the Valli girls, including Diane Kruger, Bianca Brandolini, and Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece. His red-carpet clients have included Ariana Grande, Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, and Fan Bingbing.
He entered haute couture in 2011 and earned official appellation that year. Charlotte Casiraghi wore one of his gowns to Prince Albert II's wedding. He also served as creative director of Moncler's Gamme Rouge line from 2008 to 2017, where he created tulle bombers and dressy puffer jackets.
In 2020, Valli and Artémis hired Louis Vuitton executive Charlotte Werner as CEO. She spent three years growing the brand's geographic footprint, online presence, and product lines before leaving. A successor was never named. Valli's annual bridal Love Collection, sold via trunk shows, has dressed Amal Clooney, Jessica Biel, and others for their weddings. Last year, Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week gave him its 2025 Industry Impact Award. In July 2025, he was named an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters in Paris.
Originally reported by WWD