With the current worldly situation at hand, the Maison of Valentino orchestrated the perfect presentation. In true punk like fashion, Valentino moved their show from Paris to Milan, opened the empty halls of the historically renown concert hall The Piccolo Teatro di Milano and officially presented their menswear/womenswear co-ed show.
The presentation was one well in consideration of exploring beauty, humanity and vulnerability, stirring nothing less of heart felt emotion as the empty halls resonated with the beautiful sounds of the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi backdropping the vocals of young London musician Cosima, connecting us with a sensibility that felt reminiscent of the times.
Almost in pursuit for feeling, romance and humanity, Valentino embarks on this quest with punk like gestures. The collection reflected on the sensuality of a new generation with monochromatic colours, big boots, risque sheers, high heels and radically shortened hemlines suggestive of the "slashing" that we well and truly know as an institution in punk culture. Sharp and concise lines stark in bold contrasts of black and white - we saw a return to the anarchic way of dressing with bare legs and wool capes, cut out knitwear baring holes, tailored pants cut neatly just above the ankle, big jackets with form fitting layers - perhaps a return to a more refined heroin chic.
Radical, liberal and sensual, the collection further explores the body as a canvas with the artful veiling and unveiling of the body, taking the idea of wearable sheers to new liberal heights. A nod to couture was also rendered with high extravagant lace, ribbons, appliquéd gowns and a touches of gold accented throughout, romanticism was a big theme throughout the collection, an assertion in gender fluidity and play, creating collection that intentionally blurs the lines between menswear and womenswear with a wardrobe to be shared between both.
A nod to couture was also rendered with high extravagant lace, ribbons, appliquéd gowns and a touches of gold accented throughout, Valentino took sensuality to new proportions, in hope to create new memories and new hope rather than returning to the old.
View full collection and presentation on Valentino.