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Celebrities gathered at the Palais Brongniart to witness Alessandro Michele’s first Haute Couture collection for Valentino, titled Vertigineux. The collection, with its signature maximalist drama, came just a little too late for Lady Gaga’s Joker: Folie à Deux press tour—because let’s be honest, she would have had a field day with the presented looks.
Regal Excess
Colman Domingo continues to be the male face of Michele’s Valentino, and honestly, who else could pull off this paisley print ensemble with a contrasting printed scarf cinched at the waist? The look is giving African prince meets Parisian aristocrat, especially with the houndstooth shoes and clutch. It’s a dizzying mix of patterns and textures, but Colman, ever the style risk-taker, makes it work. That said, I know some of you haven’t been vibing with his recent Valentino outings—so, how does this one fare?
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Parisian Fortune Teller
Carla Bruni is the queen of effortless Parisian glam, so this fortune teller-inspired dress is an unexpected detour. It’s not that she looks bad—she never does—but between the heavy embellishments and layered styling, this lacks the quiet luxury we typically associate with her.
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Court Jester or Couture King?
I know some will say the ruffled collar takes Jeff Satur’s Valentino into court jester territory, but I’m genuinely impressed with how he handles this theatrical ensemble. With bold accessories and an unshakable confidence, he isn’t wearing the outfit—the outfit is wearing him. For that reason alone, it’s a win.
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Subdued Sparkle
Between the black sequin jacket, ruffled dress, and lace tights, Lim Yoona’s Valentino look is one of the more understated ensembles of the day. Yes, understated is a relative term at a Valentino show, but compared to the other attendees, this is a more restrained take on Michele’s signature opulence.
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Business as usual
Elsa Hosk stayed true to her usual aesthetic in a navy blazer and denim jeans, but the Valentino effect was in the details—the white lace gloves, the sheer tights, and the Valentino Garavani bags. It’s a fusion of high fashion and everyday wear which we see daily on her Instagram feed.
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Alessandro’s Eternal Muse
Soko has seamlessly transitioned from being an Alessandro Michele Gucci girl to a Valentino muse, and this look proves why. The embellished and ruffled ensemble is decadent, dramatic, and firmly within her wheelhouse.
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Goth Goes Boho
Tali Lennox served up a boho-goth mashup in a chiffon, lace, and tulle-accented Valentino gown. It’s ethereal, but with an edge, thanks to her dark, romantic styling. The hair, in particular, is pulling this look deeper into the gothic realm, and I’m here for it.
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Testing the Waters
Alba Rohrwacher looked like she was having fun experimenting with Alessandro Michele’s vision. Whether or not this playful affair with maximalism lasts remains to be seen.
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Sweet but Not Simple
Charlotte Lawrence’s floral-embroidered Valentino mini dress was perhaps the least OTT of the day, but that’s mostly due to the styling. The pink-and-blue embroidery was peak femininity, but the black accents felt a little harsh in contrast. A missed opportunity for a fully romantic moment?
Alessandro Michele’s Valentino is a bold departure from the sleek elegance of his predecessor, Pierpaolo Piccioli—but that’s exactly what makes it exciting. With quiet luxury dominating the fashion landscape, I’m intrigued to see who will embrace the theatricality of this Valentino Spring 2025 Haute Couture collection.
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