Alessandro Michele’s debut for Valentino is a stunning harmony of fashion, art, and philosophy

The collection goes beyond the runway and explores beauty as a way of dealing with a fleeting existence.

From the moment the audience entered “Pavillon des Folies,” they entered Michele’s world where beauty meets fragility. Its set was an abstract representation of fragility, a cracked glass floor designed by Alfredo Pirri.

Michele’s message was clear: “We tiptoe on mirrors that shatter under our weight, because every step counts.”

The show began with a monochromatic black dress paired with red tights in Valentino’s signature “Rosso Valentino” shade. His runway used royal blues, forest greens, mustard yellows and lilacs for a maximalist story.

As a way of dealing with time, Michele explored beauty beyond fashion. Models were wearing shiny fabrics, ruffles and fine details. Michele thinks beauty can heal us. He thinks beauty need not have a function. It just brings joy and peace to a chaotic world.

Drawing inspiration from thinkers like Théophile Gautier and Michel de Montaigne, Michele emphasized that beauty’s power lies in its ability to exist without reason.

The collection had dramatic looks: Drop waist dresses, embroidered coats and wide brimmed hats brought different eras together. Every outfit, from Regency gowns to 1960s-style glasses, said something nostalgic yet fresh about Michele—someone who knows how to reinvent fashion.

The collection had dramatic looks: drop waist dresses, embroidered coats, and wide-brimmed hats. From Regency gowns to 1960s-style glasses, every outfit said something nostalgic yet fresh.

Maison Valentino’s S/S25 collection had texture and feel. Lace gloves and embroideries. The excess: Faux feathers, layers of lace, and statement accessories were all about enjoying every sensation associated with fashion—every stitch and every texture.

The front row was full of Michele’s friends: Harry Styles, Andrew Garfield, Jared Leto, Florence Welch, Salma Hayek, and Elton John.

At his Valentino debut, Michele asked us to look beyond the runways and to remember the power of beauty, color and expression.

Watch Maison Valentino S/S25 show below:


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