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Valentino's New Vision: Michele Crafts a Cinematic Dream
12 Oct
Summary
- Alessandro Michele now helms Valentino, returning to his Roman roots.
- His latest couture collection evokes a 1920s crime film mood.
- Michele's designs blend baroque grandeur with postwar Italian glamour.
Alessandro Michele, renowned for reshaping Gucci's image with his vintage-inflected style, has embraced a new chapter as the creative director of Valentino. This appointment marks a return to his native Rome, the city where he was born and raised.
His spring 2026 Valentino couture collection, inspired by his studies in costume design, transported audiences to the era of 1920s crime films. The runway presentation featured dazzling showgirl-inspired ensembles and gowns with daring necklines, all staged with a voyeuristic theatricality.
Michele's design philosophy is deeply rooted in his upbringing. He often cites the conflicting influences of Rome's ancient baroque beauty and the vibrant glamour of Italy's postwar 'dolce vita' years, both of which continue to inform his creative output for Valentino.
