Italian artist Renato Zero’s 1979 song “Baratto” sets the stage for LEONARDOVALENTINI’s new Pre-Collection, BARATTO, which is a precursor to the upcoming Main 2024-2025 season. Evoking themes of love, sex, glamour, and excess, the collection draws inspiration from the concept of bartering. It features the iconic “Angelic Zebra Print” prominently on silk, stretch, and sheer fabrics. The juxtaposition of black and white, paired with black vinyl leather accessories and gold bijoux, creates powerful visual contrasts.
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The collection’s logo, depicting two Cupids in a passionate embrace adorned with Playboy masks, encapsulates the essence of the BARATTO concept. The phrase “ANGELS HAVE NO GENDER BUT HAVE SEX” is prominently featured on t-shirts and engraved on bijoux, encapsulating the collection’s bold and boundary-pushing narrative.
Designer Leonardo Valentini shares insight into his creative process, emphasizing the inversion of traditional fashion paradigms. He explains, “Everything always starts with the man and then develops on the woman.” This unique approach is fueled by Valentini’s enduring admiration for Billy Idol and the late Sinéad O’Connor, both of whom have been profound sources of inspiration for his work.
LEONARDOVALENTINI’s deep-rooted connection to the music industry is further exemplified by the choice of ANIMAUX FORMIDABLES as the brand’s campaign ambassadors. This dynamic duo, known for their captivating presence on and off the stage, perfectly embodies the essence of BARATTO with their striking aesthetic and enigmatic allure. Their partnership with the brand underscores the intrinsic link between LEONARDOVALENTINI’s stylistic identity and the art of music.
The BARATTO collection serves as a tantalizing preview of the Main 2024-2025 season, spotlighting meticulously crafted leathers that epitomize the brand’s dedication to excellence. This heightened anticipation culminates in the brand’s highly anticipated fashion show, slated to debut during Milan Fashion Week in February 2024.
The collection is available for purchase exclusively at leonardovalentini.com.
A Glimpse into the Creative Mind of Leonardo Valentini
Founder of the eponymous brand LEONARDOVALENTINI, Leonardo Valentini’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in his Roman origins and guided by a steadfast commitment to education as a catalyst for conscious transgression. This ethos, coupled with a degree in fashion and a master’s degree from the esteemed Polimoda Institute in Florence, laid the foundation for the brand’s inception in 2021.
The inaugural “Eroticangelo” collection marked the commencement of Valentini’s impassioned exploration through aesthetic and visceral projects, embarking on an ever-evolving path of creative experimentation. Today, LEONARDOVALENTINI stands as a testament to Valentini’s unwavering dedication to redefining traditional fashion narratives and blurring the boundaries of creativity.
Leonardo Valentini – Founder of LEONARDOVALENTINI @leonardvalentini
Animaux Formidables – Artists @animaux_formidables
Bianca Beltramello – Photographer @biancabeltramello
