VALENTINO BY ALESSANDRO MICHELE

The Italian fashion house Valentino was founded in Rome in 1959 by the master designer Valentino Garavani, who established his iconic atelier on Via Condotti, at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Valentino became renowned for his style, which combines a romantic aesthetic with tailored elegance. His clientele included legendary women who remain muses to this day, such as Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn.

In April of this year, Alessandro Michele, the visionary designer credited with revolutionizing Gucci, was appointed as the Creative Director of Valentino. He succeeded Pierpaolo Piccioli, who held the position for 25 years. This announcement sent waves through the fashion world, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for one of the most prestigious fashion houses in the world. The blend of Michele’s extravagant, maximalist, and playful aesthetic with Valentino’s traditional Italian elegance sparked immense curiosity, with fashion enthusiasts eagerly awaiting Michele’s debut collection for Valentino.

Now, the much-anticipated collection is officially available at Factory 54. This extensive and meticulously crafted collection, designed for the Pre-Spring 2025 season, was developed by Michele in just two months. Describing the collaborative process with his team, Michele compared it to an orchestra: “Everyone played their instrument with so much passion and dedication. My role was to tune the instruments and conduct the orchestra. I am deeply grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make this happen,” Michele shared with Vogue Runway when unveiling the collection in June.

The fusion of these two design languages has resulted in a stunning collection that merges modern innovation with timeless luxury. Michele revisited the fashion codes established by Valentino Garavani, integrating his unique aesthetic while preserving the brand’s rich heritage. His romantic style and use of luxurious textiles blend seamlessly with Valentino’s iconic femininity, sophistication, and glamour. This synergy is evident in elegant ruffled blouses, tailored tweed suits, mini skirts and dresses, fitted blazers, iconic shoulder bags, and intricate detailing such as pearls, gemstones, bows, and metallic accents.

The extraordinary craftsmanship of this collection was recently showcased by Apple Martin, the stunning daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. She was photographed at a Parisian ball wearing a dreamlike gown from the new Valentino collection. The strapless dress, crafted in a heavenly sky-blue hue with a black bow detail at the front, is a masterpiece created under Michele’s direction, requiring 750 hours of meticulous work in Valentino’s atelier. At 20 years old, Apple Martin embodies the spirit of Valentino’s modern woman—radiating endless elegance.

Price range: ₪1,390–₪29,990
The Valentino collection is now available at Factory 54 stores, online at FACTORY54.CO.IL, and at AMOR in Kikar Hamedina.