Valentino, a brand that since its inception has crafted a visual language of romance, grandeur, and impeccable craftsmanship, remains timeless. Never bound by trends, Valentino stands for expressive, poetic beauty—one that commands attention without demanding it. Now, under the visionary direction of Alessandro Michele, a new era unfolds, infused with the designer’s signature dreamlike maximalism. Michele’s Valentino is a world of enchantment, where history and fantasy collide, each collection a love letter to the past, yet undeniably modern in its execution.
This vision reached its crescendo with Pavillon des Folies, first unveiled at Paris Fashion Week spring/summer 2025. Staged at the Dojo de Paris, the show was a theatrical spectacle, transforming the venue into a surreal dreamscape of draped fabrics and eclectic furnishings. The collection itself felt like an invitation into Michele’s poetic reverie—a reinterpretation of Valentino’s codes through a lens of flamboyant nostalgia.
Yet beyond the spectacle, Pavillon des Folies is a study in contrasts, masterfully balancing structure and fluidity, restraint and extravagance. Rich jacquards and feathered embellishments nod to the regal decadence of Versailles, while appliquéd floral motifs and intricate beadwork evoke the grandeur of 18th-century Parisian salons. Corseted bodices give way to cascading chiffons, while sumptuous velvet and luminous organza create a tactile interplay of matte and shine. Delicate lace blouses, shimmering lingerie-inspired pieces, ruffled skirts, and polka-dot gowns sweep across the runway, each look a manifestation of the designer’s fascination with history’s most decadent eras. Every garment is imbued with the maison’s signature savoir-faire, designed to be worn as a statement of individuality.
The colour palette is a symphony of contrasts—whispers of Porcelain Blush and Petal Frost juxtaposed with the bold intensity of Crimson Opéra and Obsidian Noir. Diaphanous lace and embroidered tulle drape effortlessly, while structured jacquards add a regal edge. Accessories echo the collection’s theatrical spirit, with sculptural heels, feathered hats, and silk turbans adorned in baroque detailing, reinforcing the narrative of opulence and transformation. Each model becomes a character in Michele’s ever-expanding storybook of fashion.
True to Valentino’s philosophy, Pavillon des Folies is not about excess—it is about artistry that speaks volumes through refinement. Whether paired with a dramatic cape or a whisper-thin slip dress, each piece exists in perfect harmony, designed to be lived in, not merely admired.
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Valentino Garavani Viva superstar handbag, $4,560
Available at Valentino.
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Valentino Garavani Viva superstar medium canvas shopping bag, $4,200
Available at Valentino.
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Valentino Gravani Nellcote suede shoulder bag, $3,840
Available at Valentino.
Creative Director Alessandro Michele
Director and Photographer Glen Luchford
Models Summer Dirx, Kieran Richber, Glory, Gen Itakura, Weiyi Fang, Arek John, Aimee Byrne
Art Director Christopher Simmonds
Set designer Gideon Ponte
Stylist Jonathan Kaye
Hair Stylist Paul Hanlon
Make Up Artist Yadim
Manicurist Lauren Michelle Pires
Movement Director Meshach Henry
Casting Director Ben Grimes
