Sometimes, we just need to get away. This was the feeling that Pierpaolo Piccioli ignited for the Valentino Rendez-Vous Spring/Summer 2022 collection, which was shown at Carreau du Temple in Paris last September as Couture took to the streets. For us onlooking, the show transported us to the streets of Paris, those which we have missed during the pandemic. The collection offered up a casualised couture wardrobe, evading rigidity with lightweight tailoring in vivid colours, embroidered caftans that floated in the Paris air, and a dress for every woman. Now, Paris is coming to Sydney for the celebration of the Rendez-Vous collection at La Renaissance.

Maison Valentino has collaborated with French café and patisserie, La Renaissance, to bring the spirit of Valentino Rendez-Vous from the streets of Paris to Sydney this March on Argyle Street in The Rocks. Located in a historic neighbourhood packed with vibrant culture, La Renaissance, a small local business, is a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city – an intimate setting that welcomes all for a little slice of Paris.

Amid buckets of fresh flowers that remind us of market vendors in Paris, La Renaissance offers the perfect french escape in the back courtyard, transporting us back to our favourite Boulangeries along cobblestone streets; the back wall of the location plastered with imagery of the Rendez-Vous collection campaign, featuring none other that Zendaya herself on the streets of New York.

For one week, the cafés special Valentino pop-up is open to the public, inviting guests to explore the Valentino experience within the café and try the unique Valentino menu conceived exclusively for this occasion, featuring Rendez-Vous-inspired macarons, eclairs, baguettes and more.

Valentino x La Renaissance can be found at 47 Argyle Street, The Rocks Sydney from 28 March 2022 – 3 April 2022 Monday to Sunday, 8:00am – 4:00pm.