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For his debut as Creative Director, Michael Alessandro brings an enchanting vision to Valentino's Spring/Summer 2025 collection, fusing the brand's heritage with an entirely fresh, almost otherworldly luster. Aptly named *Pavillon Des Folies*, Alessandro’s collection dances between eras, evoking the elegance of the 1920s with a distinctly futuristic flair, all while reinterpreting the codes of the '60s, '70s, and '80s.
There’s a whisper of The Great Gatsby decadence woven into the collection, yet reimagined for a modern-day dreamscape—a world where past and future collide. Soft femininity reigns supreme: polka dots meet cascading ruffles, and bows and embellishments find themselves juxtaposed against sharp tailoring. Alessandro's eye for intricate detailing creates silhouettes that feel alive, like fluid works of art, capturing the fragility and fleeting nature of beauty he so eloquently speaks about.
The Valentino woman, in this collection, is adorned in a rich tapestry of textures and accents. Ruffles cascade from collars, flowing down A-line gowns in tiers. Lavish embroideries surface delicately across the pieces, bringing both opulence and an airy grace. And then there are the accessories—silk netted turbans, wide-brimmed straw hats, lace gloves, and stockings that nod to vintage refinement while feeling completely new. Slingback heels and knee-high block-heel boots anchor the looks, with bags carried two at a time, ranging from studded suede totes to logo-stamped envelopes to a playful kitty cat figurine clutch.
Alessandro’s maximalist approach to design evokes beauty in all its forms—bold, delicate, and utterly sublime. This collection not only captures the designer’s uniqueness but shows his courage in bringing Valentino into a new sphere of refined exquisiteness. A collection that doesn’t just pay homage to the past but confidently leads the fashion house into a new era—one that redefines elegance with every stitch and flourish.
Words By Maria Ugrinovski - Founder & Chief Editor
This collection not only captures the designer’s uniqueness but shows his courage in bringing Valentino into a new sphere of refined exquisiteness
