Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2024 “Le Salon”. Story by Eleonora de Gray, Editor-in-Chief of RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo / Video Courtesy: Valentino.
In the grandeur of the Place Vendôme, amidst the gilded salons that have witnessed the evolution of fashion’s most noble expression, Valentino’s Haute Couture Spring Summer 2024 collection unfolded as a testament to Pierpaolo Piccioli’s artistry and commitment to the craft.
Pierpaolo Piccioli, the creative maestro behind Valentino, seamlessly blended the contemporary with the timeless, infusing the runway with an instinctive expression of the urge for creation. The Maison’s Parisian address provided the perfect backdrop for a show that not only embraced modernity but also maintained the ritualistic mystique intrinsic to couture.
The collection itself was a masterful exploration of shapes, volumes, silhouettes, and cuts. Without resorting to preposterous narratives or abstruse subtexts, Pierpaolo Piccioli presented a series of couture objects, where traditional templates collided with revised wardrobe fundamentals. Blazers, masculine coats, hoodies, and parkas were transformed into couture marvels through idiosyncratic pairings, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.
A bouillonée minidress in emerald green silk faille, juxtaposed with an oversized blazer in mustard techno gabardine, exemplified the paradoxical elegance that defined the collection. The marriage of a poufy ballgown in turquoise taffeta with a boxy hoodie in khaki green gabardine, adorned with stand-up feathers, showcased Piccioli’s bold and imaginative approach.
Yet, amidst this avant-garde experimentation, Pierpaolo Piccioli remained true to the essence of couture. For him, couture is the ultimate privileged space of authorship, where the quest for perfection and the drive for experimentation find their true expression. The collection embodied his Roman sensorialist approach, infused with humanity and charm, creating not just visual spectacles but emotional connections.
The accompanying narrative, presented as a reflection on the habitat of Haute Couture, emphasized the collection’s roots in modern life while honoring tradition. The Salon, in Piccioli’s vision, represents both a return and a departure—an acknowledgment of the past and a proposal for the future. The words painted a picture of a space where dreams materialize through specific rites and rituals, where Haute Couture is not just about garments but a tangible, sensorial experience.
In an age obsessed with the artificial, Valentino’s Haute Couture Spring Summer 2024 collection emerged as a beacon of authenticity. From infinite ribbons of gold defying gravity in jewelry to the meticulous craftsmanship of textiles and technique, every piece celebrated the art of human ingenuity. The Salons of Valentino in Place Vendôme, with their rich history and intimate ambiance, served as a unique arena for this rendezvous—a place of private contemplation and fundamental recontextualization.
Pierpaolo Piccioli’s fine sentiment for couture, as showcased in this new collection, goes beyond fashion. It appeals to the senses and transcends the runway, offering a profound experience that resets core values and attitudes. The harmonious symphony of modernity and tradition created by Piccioli reaffirms Haute Couture as a timeless essence—a true celebration of the art of dressing.
See All Looks Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2024
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