Alessandro Michele, known for his prolific creativity, has taken on the role of creative director at Valentino with an initial focus on the resort collection. Called “Avant les Dé-buts,” this debut collection by Mi-
chele for the Koman fashion house consists of 171 ready-to-wear looks. accompanied by 93 images showcasing charming shoes, bags and accessories. The presentation took place via a Zoom call with a select group of editors, from Michele’s apartment, decorated with personal memorahilia.
Alessandro Michele is known for his ability to create quickly, a trait he also displayed at Gucci when he transformed men’s fashion. Although the collection for Valentino
does not seek to be so disruntive.
Michele emphasized the importance of creating a true wardrobe, with precision and complexity, connected with the characteristic elegance of Valentino Garavani. Michele, relaxed and eloquent, explained how he became fascinated by the “magical and powerful place of Valentino,” and how exploring the treasures of the brand’s archive was crucial to his creative process. Alessandro Michele, speaking about his approach to Valentino, mentioned that he did not draw specifically on any decade of Valentino Garavani’s work although he admitted his fascination with the 1968 Sfilata Bian-ca, from which he “stole some of that whiteness, of that funny”. The designer also suggested an influence of the feminine refinement and hippy chic style of Valentino in the 70s, but stated that he was carried away by the lightness of the ruffles and details for no other reason than to connect with the feeling of grace that these they evoke. While he mentioned the ‘8os lightly,
