Valentino Haute Couture at Chateau de Chantilly was a mesmerizing blend of simplicity and paradox. Under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, the Italian fashion house presented a collection that reimagined contemporary styles for the red-carpet elite.
The show began with supermodel Kaia Gerber, who strutted down the runway in a daring ensemble—a white shirt unbuttoned to the midriff, paired with loose jeans. The look was elevated by crystal chandelier earrings and metallic, pointy-toed flats adorned with delicate bows. Models elegantly descended a grand stone staircase, encircled a fountain in the castle’s formal garden, and showcased Piccioli’s romantic vision to the melancholic voice of Anohni. Valentino chose the historic Chateau de Chantilly intentionally, tapping into its exclusivity while transforming it into a “forum for equality and openness.” Piccioli’s conceptual drivers for the collection were simplicity and paradoxes, questioning and recontextualizing the symbols associated with the venue.
The decision to stage the show outdoors symbolized breaking free from elitism, embracing principles of liberty and equality. Models walked around the castle’s French-style formal garden, with the catwalk snaking around a circular water basin. The backdrop of the 17th-century manor, coupled with a perfect sunset and gentle breeze, added a touch of magic to the event.
Piccioli challenged the notion that couture is excessively complex, asserting that its essence lies in profound simplicity. The collection exemplified this belief, celebrating imaginative extravagance with crystal clarity. Draping techniques breathed life into vertical, pure, and essential silhouettes, sensually caressing the body. Hooded capes transformed into “mantles of modern Madonnas,” and bodices with cut-outs extended into twisted knots framing the face.
Inventive paradoxes were a highlight of the collection, as seen in the opening look worn by Kaia Gerber—a pair of silk gazar jeans embroidered to replicate a denim texture, paired with an oversized white shirt.
Valentino haute couture at Chateau de Chantilly showcased the brand’s artistry and craftsmanship. Piccioli’s ability to blend simplicity and paradoxes challenged preconceptions, celebrating the power of subtlety. By juxtaposing the grandeur of the historical site with openness and equality, Valentino proved that haute couture can be both timeless and forward-thinking. Every exquisite piece on the runway reflected the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining contemporary luxury.