News from Italy
A Valentino evening in Rome
From the past to the future, the legend continues
“Roma is the place where everything starts. The life, the people, our stories and identities are here. We belong to this place as much as this place belongs to the world and to Valentino. Piazza di Spagna is a symbol of art and history, but for all of us it is also our daily life, a working context, the subway stop, the lunch break, taxis, rain and sun, coffee. It is the natural extension of the Atelier, the stage of our stories, a vital environment that takes and gives back all of our energies and dreams. This is the Beginning, this is us”. Pierpaolo Piccioli
We love the sunset. The bright colors reflected in the clouds take the red and orange tones of the setting sun and reflect the colors back to the earth. In other words, it is aesthetics, that is, beauty… And most importantly, it is rebirth like the sunrise. It is the completion of a cycle and the starting point of a new one…
And on one warm but breezy evening, we are in the Piazza di Spagna square of the Eternal City of Rome. The warm rays of the sunset reflect on the steps of Trinità dei Monti. On the marble stairs, Labrinth sings with her soft, warming voice…
Valentino has lived up to its legendary name. And to present the autumn winter Haute Couture collection, chose the starting point of Valentino, which combines world history, art, aesthetics, life and everything. And opened a 600-meter podium in the heart of the world and in Rome. For the time of the show, chose the sunset, which symbolizes the beginning, aesthetics and beauty…
The Beginning, this is the title of the show, will kick off on Friday 8 July around 20.30. The models will be asked to walk on a walkway of over 600 meters, which will connect Piazza Mignanelli, where the historic headquarters of the maison are located, via Gregoriana, Trinità dei Monti and therefore the iconic Spanish Steps. The most famous steps in Rome seem to have a special connection with the world of fashion. Here Valentino Garavani himself had staged a fashion show in 1985…
The magnificent show started in Valentino’s workshop, continued with the stairs symbolizing the summit, and ended in the workshop like the solstice, by wandering around the area where the VIP guests are located… And at the end of the show, the most magnificent and emotional scene came. As the undead city turned into night, Pierpaolo Piccioli went out with his team of tailors in white coats. They descended the stairs and mingled with the people together: the most sincere applause was made for them. Because they were the magic hands that made Haute Couture magic come true every day… They were an important part of the Valentino Family… Like all of them…
The fashion show held in Rome also shows respect and protection for Valentino’s bond with it’s immense legacy. In 1985 Valentino Garavani hosted one of his famous fashion shows here. And this becomes a symbol in its own right of a strong and creative dialogue, immortality and institutionalization between the new creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. Piccioli reinterprets some of the key elements of the Roman Maison in a new light: Valentino red makes its way onto the catwalk. Slightly volatile chiffon dresses are dazzling. The roses, feathers and bows that Signor Garavani loved so much fly in the breeze. Sandals embellished with shimmering petticoats, feathers and ribbons. The mannequins descend the stairs full of colossal feathered headdresses or statues of the undead such as faces painted in silver, Roman masks and marbles. Every detail reflects the Valentino brand…
History, beauty, aesthetics …
After the parade, a gala evening took place in the historic setting of the Baths of Caracalla. This choice was also very significant! The link between Valentino and the city of Rome also means a tangible commitment to the conservation and development of the city: most recently, the Maison has committed to finance the restoration of some of the mosaics of the archaeological site and the replacement of two palm trees in the Piazza from. And among the guests invited to this unique show were lucky names such as Laura Pausini, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tilda Swinton, Naomi Campbell, Zendaya, Ben Stiller…
