Valentino AVANT LES DÉBUTS campaign by Alessandro Michele “Tribute to Federico Fellini”. Story by RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: Valentino.

Valentino’s “AVANT LES DÉBUTS” campaign marks Alessandro Michele’s first contribution to the brand, presenting his interpretation of the fashion house’s legacy and connection to the city of Rome. In this campaign, Michele explores the themes of transition, memory, and reinvention, using the historical Palazzo Mignanelli, Valentino’s headquarters, as a central symbol.

In a letter about the campaign, Michele describes the experience of moving between spaces, metaphorically linking it to the creative process of revisiting the past while stepping into a new era. The campaign draws heavily on the imagery and atmosphere of Rome, with Michele emphasizing the duality of the city—a blend of the sacred and the profane, aristocratic and ordinary, ancient and contemporary.

The campaign features an eclectic mix of characters, from glamorous women in cinema to artists, prelates, and nobility. These figures, according to Michele, represent the vibrant, libertarian spirit of Rome. The campaign is visually inspired by the work of Federico Fellini, particularly his film Roma (1972). One of the scenes in the campaign references a woman walking alongside pugs—animals symbolically tied to Valentino Garavani—as she passes through the door of the Palazzo Mignanelli.

Michele’s vision for the campaign employs a blend of cinematic styles, including neorealism and magic realism, to evoke the Rome of the past while situating it in the present. The campaign aims to capture the essence of Rome as a city of contradictions, where history intersects with modern life and beauty.

AVANT LES DÉBUTS serves as an introduction to Michele’s approach at Valentino, rooted in the history of both the house and its Roman heritage. The campaign blends historical references with contemporary aesthetics, reflecting Michele’s exploration of the interplay between past and present.

CREDITS
Creative Director: Alessandro Michele
Director and Photographer : Glen Luchford
DOP: Jack Webb
Art Director: Christopher Simmonds
Stylist: Jonathan Kaye
Hair Stylist: Paul Hanlon
Make Up Artist : Yadim
Manicurist: Lauren Mitchell
Choreographer: MJ Harper
Casting Director: Ben Grimes

A special thank you to the heirs of Federico Fellini and the heirs of Bernardino Zapponi, for granting
the rework of the scene from the film Roma (1972).
An additional thank you to Titanus and the heirs of Federico Fellini for the concession of Federico
Fellini’s voice-over taken from the film “Roma”.

“Roma” (1972)
Directed by Federico Fellini
Subject and Screenplay by Federico Fellini and Bernardino Zapponi
Distribution: Titanus

See Valentino campaign by Alessandro Michele