Valentino's recent presentation during Paris haute couture Spring Summer 2024 shows left attendees in awe with its majestic and stunning display. The event, attended by notable names such as Florence Pugh, Jennifer Lopez, and Kylie Jenner with her daughter Stormi, emphasized the significance, grandeur, and amazement of handmade craftsmanship. What made this presentation even more remarkable was the recognition given to the house's seamstresses, who were honored before the designer took the stage.
As the applause filled the room, the seamstresses, with shy yet smiling faces, accepted the acknowledgment for their invaluable work. Valentino's creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, understands the importance of such craftsmanship in today's industrialized world. He promotes and defends the slow but profound work as a means to elevate research, aesthetics, and innovation. He believes that true luxury lies not in exotic materials but in the dedication and effort required to reproduce them by hand. Fittingly, Valentino's pieces are exclusively produced in their ateliers at Piazza Mignanelli in Rome, reflecting their commitment to unparalleled quality.
The new collection, aptly titled 'Le Salon,' captivated the audience with its structured capes adorned with three-dimensional flowers and jewels, gracefully snaking around the body with golden ribbons seemingly defying gravity. The collection relied on the ingenuity of Valentino's artisans who replicated exotic skins, fur, and feathers through fabrics and techniques, creating an imagined nature. The use of hand-cut sequins and silk organza rouleaux beautifully simulated the spirit of the natural world, reminding us of human creativity.
Within the realm of haute couture, the environment itself exudes expectation and wonder. It is a space where dreams become reality through carefully curated rituals. For Piccioli, 'Le Salon' represents an unrelenting pursuit of perfection, fueled by a passion for manual labor and a fascination with the process. The collection showcased meticulously embroidered dresses, feathered bodices, tailored blazers and coats, voluminous dresses, and sculptural garments that elegantly define the body.
Adding to the enchanting ambiance was the accompanying soundtrack featuring famous opera arias. Beginning with Puccini's Tosca, moving on to the ethereal 'Un bel dì' from Madame Butterfly, and concluding with Maria Callas mesmerizingly singing 'Casta Diva,' the music complemented the visual spectacle.
In addition to the distinguished attendees mentioned earlier, the special guests at Valentino's Paris haute couture show included Samara Weaving, Emerald Fennell, Nadia Lee Cohen, Leonie Hanne, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, composer Alexandre Desplat, and artist/photographer Nadia Lee Cohen. Notably, three generations of the Jenner family attended the event, with Kris, Kylie, and Stormi dressed elegantly in coordinating black ensembles.
Valentino's presentation was a testament to the meticulous artistry and dedication of the brand's craftsmen and women. The collection not only evoked wonder and admiration but also underscored the value of handmade luxury in an increasingly industrialized world. Piccioli's unwavering commitment to elevating craftsmanship and spreading harmony within the workshops at Piazza Mignanelli is commendable and further solidifies Valentino's position as a leader in haute couture.
