Valentino! Avant Les Débuts Collection by Alessandro Michele

In a captivating blend of heritage and modernity, Alessandro Michele debuts his first campaign for Valentino, titled « Avant Les Débuts. » Set against the timeless canvas of Rome, this campaign spotlights Michele’s pre-collection ready-to-wear, transforming the illustrious Palazzo Mignanelli into a dynamic crossroads of art, fashion, and Roman culture.

www.instagram.com/maisonvalentino / www.valentino.com

Visually arresting, the campaign delves into themes of transition and metamorphosis, mirroring the experience of moving into a new home—leaving behind the old while embracing the new. Michele likens the grand entrance of this historical palace to a gateway into a colourful realm populated by eccentric, uninhibited personas, celebrating a feast of creativity and expression. The imagery portrays a vibrant soirée featuring visionary artists, glamorous cinematic legends, and the mesmerizing heiresses of a waning aristocracy, all embodying the spirited and libertarian essence of Rome.

Drawing upon the cinematic legacy of filmmakers like Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti, Michele’s vision encapsulates the city’s inherent contradictions—glamorous and gritty, where sacred and profane intertwine effortlessly. The playful appearance of pugs serves as a charming homage to Valentino Garavani, adding a dash of whimsy. Michele strives to evoke a cinematic tableau reminiscent of Fellini’s masterpieces, where the streets pulse with a fusion of aristocratic elegance and urban vibrancy.

With this campaign, Michele heralds a bold and innovative chapter for Valentino’s pre-collection, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a realm where the boundaries of fashion, art, and cinema blur, crafting a narrative as rich and complex as the eternal city itself.