fashion
March 13, 2026
‘Beauty is always changing’: Alessandro Michele’s Roman tribute to Valentino
The first proper show since Valentino’s death is about the late designer, about beauty – and about Michele’s mother
TL;DR
- Alessandro Michele's latest Valentino collection was presented in Rome, the city where Valentino Garavani lived, worked, and died.
- The show was a tribute to Valentino's legacy, with Michele exploring the 'tension' between his own vision of beauty and the brand's DNA.
- The collection drew inspiration from the 1980s, described by Michele as a 'time of positivity and shiny things,' featuring clashing jewel tones, big shoulders, and draped tunics.
- Michele's approach to beauty is described as less straightforward than Valentino's, who aimed to make women 'look sensational' without political or trend-setting agendas.
- The article touches upon Rome's history as a hub for film stars and its connection to Valentino's career, mentioning muses like Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren.
- There is a business context, with Kering, the parent group of Gucci, in the process of buying Valentino, hoping Michele can replicate his success at Gucci.
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