Valentino SS 25, What was memorable about Alessandro Michele’s debut show

The show had a salon-like atmosphere, with decorative lighting coming from covered lamps and guests sitting in chairs. The runway resembled broken glass or black ice, and the show itself began with the sound of breaking glass.

Alessandro skillfully mixes different eras: from ’60s fringed bags to 30s dresses and 2020s face jewelry. Each look was completed with a full range of accessories: wide-brimmed hats and turbans, lace tights, shoes with bows, and sparkly Art Deco earrings. As the show progressed, a song about the importance of finding joy and happiness in everything – including beautiful and intricate outfits – was played in several languages.

When Michele time-traveled to the 1970s, the catwalk featured sheer chiffon dresses encrusted with Swarovski crystals and oversized faux fur coats. There were also boho looks, such as floral print dresses, waistcoats, and paisley print harem pants.

Polka dots were scattered all over the runway: big and bold gold ones on A-line dresses or more subtle and tiny ones on silk blouses and fishtail skirts. Since Valentino Garavani is a big fan of the print, Michele explained at the post-show conference that he, too, has become a bit obsessed with the motif.

The show closed with a series of outfits that paid homage to Valentino’s early 80s look: a dress in the signature scarlet color on the catwalk was paired with a silky blouse and black skirt in the same shade.