Valentino’s spring-summer 2025 collection, under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, interweaves the poetic and the philosophical. The runway felt less like a fashion show and more like an ethereal narrative exploring the frailties of the human condition.
It dove into themes of vulnerability, existential beauty, and the haunting passage of time—ideas drawn from literature and philosophy.
As articulated in his poetic reflections, Michele’s concept of beauty embraced the idea that beauty is more than a visual delight—it’s a vessel for existential solace.
Inspired by thinkers like Martin Heidegger and Emanuele Severino, the collection rejected functionality in favor of an aesthetic that appeared otherworldly yet profoundly human.
Valentino Spring/Summer 2025 Collection
The runway featured draped silhouettes, intricate embellishments, and unexpected layering, all intended to evoke a sense of epiphany—a revelation in fabric. Touches of couture-like craftsmanship anchored the looks.
For instance, the bold patterns and ornate details recalled Valentino’s heritage while pushing into new territories of artistic expression. The lace gloves, soft ruffles, and jewel-encrusted accessories made each look a study in contradictions—delicate, bold, historical, yet contemporary.
The styling of each model, whether in regal embroidery or layered jacquard, reflected an intention to transcend the ordinary, urging the viewer to see fashion not just as clothing but as a metaphysical encounter. Michele seemed to argue that this collection was about the fleeting nature of time, highlighted in the models’ wistful stares and the dreamy atmosphere of the show.
Ultimately, Alessandro Michele’s Valentino took cues from the house’s codes but also looked toward the future, questioning what it means to dress in an era of uncertainty and change. In his world, beauty isn’t practical—it’s a balm for the soul—a concept Michele has championed in fashion and art.
