Valentino, the Italian fashion house renowned for its refined luxury and timeless elegance, reported impressive financial momentum in 2022. The company disclosed that its revenue reached €1.42 billion, reflecting a solid 15% increase from the €1.23 billion posted in 2021. This sustained growth underscores Valentino’s ability to translate its design language into sustained demand across global markets and across multiple channel platforms.
Jacopo Venturini, the brand’s chief executive officer, attributed the elevated performance to a deliberate shift in the company’s operating model. He highlighted a strategic move away from a wholesale-heavy approach toward a more balanced mix that prioritizes direct engagement with customers and carefully selected partners who share Valentino’s brand ethos. The brand’s directly operated stores contributed notably to this growth, with a reported 21% expansion year over year in retail footprint and comparable sales, signaling a successful recalibration of the distribution strategy.
Venturini elaborated that the results align with a long-term plan to restore balance between wholesale and retail. By reducing wholesale activity and partnering with select retailers that reflect Valentino’s values and strategic direction, the company aims to sustain profitable growth while preserving the distinctive luxury identity that defines the label. This approach places a premium on quality collaborations and controlled brand experiences, ensuring consistent presentation and storytelling across markets.
In the financial mix for 2022, the direct-operated retail channel emerged as a dominant driver of revenue. It accounted for a sizable portion of sales, with retail operations contributing 62% of total revenue, an increase from 54% observed in 2019. The focus on direct channels has intensified over time, and the company has signaled a clear goal to raise this share further to around 80% of total sales in the mid-2020s, aiming to secure an even tighter connection with customers and enhance brand equity through in-store experiences, personalized service, and immersive storefront environments.
Valentino’s performance in 2022 reflects broader luxury market dynamics, where premium brands are increasingly leveraging owned stores, exclusive partnerships, and elevated customer service as core differentiators. The company’s growth trajectory demonstrates that a well-executed blend of retail presence and selective wholesale partnerships can yield durable revenue expansion while sustaining premium pricing power and brand loyalty across key regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia. As markets recover and consumer confidence strengthens, Valentino appears well-positioned to maintain momentum through ongoing investments in store modernization, product storytelling, and strategic market opportunities that align with its aspirational identity.
Looking ahead, observers and investors will be watching how Valentino translates its distribution strategy into long-term profitability, brand resonance, and market share gains. The emphasis on direct engagement suggests a commitment to operational discipline, customer-centric experiences, and a disciplined approach to growth that prioritizes value creation over volume. If the trajectory continues, Valentino could set a benchmark for luxury houses seeking to balance wholesale relationships with a robust, direct retail network that reinforces brand values while delivering sustained financial performance.