By Gracia Phang - published
This was one of the most highly anticipated shows of this season: Alessandro Michele at Valentino. Guests entered a dimly-lit venue surrounded by stacked furniture covered in fabric, and a cracked mirrored floor—it was like walking into someone’s home where everything was left the way it was, waiting for someone to come back and claim it; to appreciate it again. This set the tone for Michele’s debut runway collection: the rediscovering of Mr. Valentino’s archives, and their common love for historical silhouette and elements. It was theatrical and opulent, where every look felt like a character in itself.
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Look 18
One of the more pared-down looks from the maximalist collection, this number draws your eyes to the embroidered flora and fauna motifs on a longline waistcoat secured with a Chinese knot button. The bows on the Mary Jane pumps and delicate lace gloves added a touch of femininity—a constant throughout the collection.
Look 19
In true Michele fashion, a sense of extravagant boho-luxe came through all the pieces. A floor-grazing chiffon floral frock drifted in the wind as the model strutted through the room with a long fur scarf casually draped over her shoulder as a feathered wide-brim hat sat atop of her head. It is the ’70s, she is a free spirit rushing to a disco party from her bohemian abode—she can be anything she wants, and she can have the best of both worlds.
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Look 31
The perfect marriage of elegance and extravagance, this highly-detailed frock with an attached fur-trimmed scarf was definitely a favourite. Looking like it could be worn by an aristocrat from yesteryear, the look came complete with gold pumps and modernised with a knitted beanie and bold tasseled jewellery.
Look 66
This look excited me due to the fact that it is perfect for an eye-catching editorial; each piece can be taken apart and stand on its own as a statement number when worn with a wardrobe staple. Seemingly from a vintage archive of sorts, the fully-beaded jacket is as delicate as it is extraordinary; something one would pass down as a heirloom piece. Rehashing his adoration for the Victorian era, Michele peppered the collection with tiered flounced skirts such as this, in peacock blue, no less.
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Men with pearls are back, and so is its renowned fan, Harry Styles, who sat front row in support of his dear friend. Michele presented gender-fluid offerings such as pearls, Mary Jane pumps, lace socks and gloves—details familiar to his fans—not to forget, tying your tassel silk scarf as a necktie for that soft and rich vibe.