SUMMARY
Alessandro Michele’s Valentino debut at Paris Fashion Week blended Gucci’s exuberance with Valentino’s heritage, reimagining classics with a modern twist, set against a poetic backdrop of transformation.
By CNBCTV18.com September 29, 2024, 10:29:06 PM IST (Published)

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Alessandro Michele’s much-anticipated ready-to-wear debut at Valentino during Paris Fashion Week unfolded in a setting that hinted at transformation—an evolving living room. Stools, ladders, and lamps draped in white cloths evoked the feeling of a home under renovation, signaling not just change, but a deliberate revival of past glories. (Image: Reuters)

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The poetic, subdued scene, as reported by the Associated Press (AP), set the stage for a “maximalist-lite” presentation, equally rooted in history and infused with Michele’s distinct touch. The mood was intensified by haunting music and the steady beat of a drum, creating an atmosphere rich with drama and expectation. (Image: Reuters)

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Michele, who was appointed creative director of Valentino earlier this year after a celebrated stint at Gucci, brought elements of his recognisable style to the collection. However, his vision showcased an evolution—less overtly extravagant, yet still unmistakably eclectic. (Image: AP)

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Feathers playfully adorned hats, lingerie subtly peeked through layers, and vintage-inspired elements like fortune tellers’ hats, floral motifs, and sparkling details blended seamlessly into an eclectic wardrobe. Michele appeared to be deconstructing the DNA of both Gucci and Valentino, two houses he knows intimately, merging Gucci’s exuberance with Valentino’s ethereal heritage. (Image: Reuters)

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For long time Valentino admirers, there were familiar pieces: the feminine nipped-waist dresses, tiered floral gowns, and the iconic Valentino red, making its bold appearance. But in Michele’s hands, these classic elements were gently reinterpreted—feathers replaced fur on a stole, giving a modern, less ostentatious feel. (Image: AP)

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Among the star-studded audience was Jared Leto, signaling Michele’s continued influence among Hollywood’s elite. Others who attended Michele’s debut included Sarocha Chankimha, Guan Xiaotong, and Zhang Wanyi. (Image: AP)

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Known for infusing Gucci with his “Geek-Chic” aesthetic, Michele carried a similar ethos into Valentino, though refined with a more graceful, couture sensibility. His tenure at Gucci had been celebrated for prioritising personal creativity over the often rigid codes of fashion houses, and Sunday’s show carried echoes of that defiant, individualistic spirit. (Image: Reuters)