Alessandro Michele, the celebrated Italian designer, has taken the fashion world by storm with his early debut collection for Valentino.
- This unexpected reveal took place during the Milan Men’s Fashion Week, marking a pivotal moment for the brand.
- The collection, entitled ‘Avant les Débuts’, offers a nostalgic nod to Valentino’s rich archive, with 171 ready-to-wear looks.
- Michele’s decision to present this collection ahead of schedule highlights his commitment to sharing his creative vision.
- The collection draws inspiration from the 1970s and 1980s, emphasising elegance and extreme softness.
Alessandro Michele, a renowned figure in the fashion industry, has unveiled his debut collection for Valentino, surprising the fashion community with an early launch. This debut occurred during the prestigious Milan Men’s Fashion Week, showcasing Michele’s innovative approach to Valentino’s design ethos.
The collection, titled ‘Avant les Débuts’, translates to ‘before the debut’ and features an impressive 171 men’s and women’s ready-to-wear designs. Additionally, the reveal included 93 images of shoes and accessories, illustrating a comprehensive exploration of fashion elements that remain true to Valentino’s legacy.
Michele, who stepped into the role of creative director at Valentino in April, succeeded Pierpaolo Piccioli. He expressed his enchantment with the ‘magical, potent place’ that is Valentino and his inspiration from the ‘marvellous treasures of its archive’. This collection is a testament to his reverence for Valentino’s storied past.
The Italian designer, formerly at the helm of Gucci, decided to advance the collection’s release from its original October schedule. Michele explained, ‘It’s all about sharing, so to keep the collection somehow hidden from view wouldn’t have felt right. This is a beginning born out of love—it wants to be brought to light and be seen and shared.’
The collection pays homage to Valentino Garavani, the founding creative director, particularly drawing from the 1970s and 1980s. Michele remarked on Garavani’s approach to the era as not merely an ode to hedonism, but a celebration of extreme softness and sophistication. These elements are carefully woven into Michele’s designs, offering a modern interpretation of timeless elegance.
Michele’s debut collection for Valentino not only pays tribute to the brand’s rich heritage but also sets a new, exciting direction for the fashion house.
