Valentino Fall Winter 2024-25 “LE CIEL”. Story by Eleonora de Gray, Editor-in-Chief of RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: Valentino.
Valentino’s Fall Winter 2024-25 “Le Ciel” Men collection by Pierpaolo Piccioli serves as a profound reflection on contemporary masculinity, unfurling its narrative in the heart of Paris. In this exploration, Piccioli delves into the intricate tapestry of what it means to be a man in today’s dynamic society.
The collection boldly employs pure color as a vehicle to convey ideas and ideals, liberating itself from the shackles of societal norms. Blue, an enduring symbol of masculinity, undergoes a transformative reevaluation, challenging established conventions and reconceptualizing its language in the context of modern men.
Pierpaolo Piccioli’s vision goes beyond the aesthetics of fashion, delving into the core of masculinity’s essence. He advocates for a profound shift in the understanding of being a man in the 21st century. The collection encapsulates the spirit of change, urging men to embrace discomfort and confront the wrongs perpetuated in the name of patriarchy.
The designer’s words resonate powerfully: “A lot has been said around men and masculinity and yet very little has been done.” Piccioli recognizes that true evolution requires a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Fashion, in this context, emerges as a poignant indicator of societal progress.
The reimagining of blue, a color deeply ingrained in the Western perception of masculinity and power, signifies a departure from established norms. Piccioli envisions a complete transformation of this dictate, challenging stereotypes and decluttering the meanings associated with the color.
The collection stands as a testament to the designer’s desire to change perceptions, emphasizing qualities such as gentleness, romanticism, compassion, grace, and above all, humanity. For Piccioli, these qualities define the men he envisions and admires. The call is not for more garments or color nuances, but for a profound shift in the understanding of existing elements.
In Piccioli’s words, “Traditions can be subverted,” and he believes in achieving this through subtle changes in how we perceive traditional symbols like ties, blazers, or the length of trousers. Clothes, to him, are symbols—unconscious signs that can be altered to reflect the evolving world we live in.
Valentino’s “Le Ciel” Men collection, under the visionary guidance of Pierpaolo Piccioli, stands as a testament to the transformative power of fashion and its potential to redefine not just aesthetics, but the very essence of contemporary masculinity.