Valentino’s New Designer Showcases History and Drama at Couture Debut in Paris

 A model wears a creation as part of the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2025 collection, that was presented in Paris, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP)
A model wears a creation as part of the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2025 collection, that was presented in Paris, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP)
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Valentino’s New Designer Showcases History and Drama at Couture Debut in Paris

 A model wears a creation as part of the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2025 collection, that was presented in Paris, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP)
A model wears a creation as part of the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2025 collection, that was presented in Paris, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP)

Alessandro Michele’s Valentino couture debut was the most anticipated ticket of Paris Couture Week, and the designer didn't disappoint with a lavish spectacle at the Palais Brongniart, a fittingly historic backdrop for his past-meets-present storytelling.

Known for his “more is more” aesthetic, Michele delivered a VIP-filled show on Wednesday brimming with historical reverence, theatricality, and his signature offbeat twists.

Michele, who previously spent nearly eight years redefining Gucci with his eclectic maximalism, has long drawn inspiration from history. It's an obsession that traces back to his childhood in Rome, where he would rummage through his mother’s closet, captivated by the textures of bygone eras.

His tenure at Gucci transformed the brand into a powerhouse of layered nostalgia and offbeat opulence, making his appointment at Valentino — a house steeped in aristocratic elegance — both a natural evolution and a challenge.

His arrival was a significant shift from Valentino's former designer Pierpaolo Piccioli, who was celebrated for his pared-down romanticism.

The opening look set the tone: a harlequin-patterned gown of enormous proportions, fusing the whimsy of the circus with regal splendor.

Full skirts billowed with 18th-century grandeur against a stark black runway, while ’70s-inspired ruffles added his distinctive vintage-inflected edge. A standout floral gown, evocative of Marie Antoinette, received the New Romantics treatment, a nod to the late ‘70s and early ’80s era that has long fascinated the designer.

Though the collection largely played to Michele’s strengths, with exuberance tempered by couture-level precision, some elements felt overdone. A polka dot jacket with an oversized bow veered into twee territory, an example of how his fondness for embellishment can sometimes tip into excess. Yet, the overall balance leaned toward refinement, with a relative restraint compared to his past work at Gucci.

Michele’s couture debut reaffirmed his reputation as a designer who finds beauty in historical excavation.



Fashion Commission Celebrates Winners of 'Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion' Competition

The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design. (SPA)
The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design. (SPA)
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Fashion Commission Celebrates Winners of 'Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion' Competition

The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design. (SPA)
The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design. (SPA)

The Saudi Fashion Commission concluded its "Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion" initiative with a special awards ceremony in Riyadh on Sunday.

The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Culture’s Year of Handicrafts 2025 vision to promote traditional handcrafts by highlighting Saudi traditional attire, celebrating the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage, and supporting local creative talents.

The competition aimed to integrate traditional handcraft techniques into contemporary fashion, creating a bridge between the past and present. Participants engaged in specialized workshops led by fashion experts, exploring ways to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles.

The program provided a holistic experience, teaching not only the techniques of handcrafts but also deepening participants' understanding of their historical and cultural significance.

A total of 235 applicants competed in the initiative, with 25 finalists selected for the final stage. The winning designs were showcased during the Saudi Cup 2025, coinciding with Founding Day celebrations. A distinguished panel of judges, comprising leading figures in fashion, arts, and heritage, selected the top ten designs.

The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design.