The Valentino fashion calendar is quite jam-packed this month; there’s the Men’s show in Paris for starters and then there’s the Haute Couture show. But who says there wouldn’t be a time and place to showcase a collection as glamorous as a Pre-fall collection?

Indeed, amidst New York’s charming sites, Pierpaolo Piccioli displayed the House’s Pre-Fall 2018 designs in the form of a unique presentation that boasted both boldness and allure all at once. The creative director dug right into the Maison’s archives, extracting bits and pieces from the 60’s, 70’s and surely, the 80’s. The journey back into time translated into a revival of Valentino’s staple iconographies, such as the tiger, the dragon, the snake, the black and white stripes and finally, a lavish revamping of the black velvet gown spotted in one of the seventies’ couture collection.

The House’s heritage was hence brought to life, putting into sight a few of the most iconic values. Piccioli reimagined numerous pieces, such as the vibrant black and white stripes that he carefully added on coats and dresses. There were animal embroideries on jackets, a mishmash of genres that came through the combination of furs and tracksuits, dresses and boots and ruffled pared-down ball gowns. But what struck us most what the collaboration between Maison Valentino and Moncler, which unveiled two down jackets imprinted with embroideries and logos mark. The juxtaposition was forever existent, shining through the mix fabrics and styles, through bomber jackets and tracksuits, lace on sweaters and patent leather turned into t-shirts. Consider it a retro vibe turned into an eternal and timeless glamor, à la Valentino; a collection that makes you want to wear it. But don’t just take our word for it, sift through the Photo Gallery below for some well-deserved eye candy.  

Cindy Menassa