Valentino, a venerable name in the world of haute couture, is taking an assertive step forward by reclaiming its menswear narrative.
Departing from the previous three years’ coed format, the fashion powerhouse is staging a stand-alone menswear show at the upcoming Milan Fashion Week Men’s, harking back to its roots.
The forthcoming show, christened “Valentino The Narratives“, is slated for June 16th at the prestigious Università degli Studi di Milano Statale. This show will herald the commencement of Milan Fashion Week, a week-long fashion extravaganza that continues until June 20th.
This initiative marks a significant shift for Valentino. Traditionally, the brand has unveiled its women’s and couture collections in Paris. However, the decision to stage a dedicated menswear show in Milan is a nostalgic nod to the brand’s heritage. Valentino Garavani, the company’s eponymous founder, presented his inaugural menswear collection in Milan in January 1985.
In the spirit of inclusivity, “The Narratives” will be live-streamed on valentino.com, as well as the brand’s social media channels, enabling global viewership. In a remarkable move, the University’s students will have the opportunity to witness the spectacle in person, aligning with Creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli’s commitment to engaging younger demographics.
Amid the pandemic, Piccioli orchestrated the presentation of the Valentino Collezione Milano and Valentino Act Collection in Milan.
Under the astute leadership of Piccioli and CEO Jacopo Venturini, Valentino has been strategically enhancing its menswear portfolio. Partnering with influential brand ambassadors such as BTS band member Suga, Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton and singer Li Ronghao, the brand has been amplifying its presence in the menswear arena.
The brand’s dedication to menswear is further emphasized by the 2022 launch of Maison Valentino Essentials – a collection of timeless, yet evolving essentials – encapsulating Piccioli’s creative vision. This initiative will continue to unfold throughout the year.
Valentino’s distinctive move aligns with the recent trend of luxury brands, like Gucci, Versace, Givenchy and Moschino, veering away from coed shows. This trend has evolved from a recognition that women’s designs often overshadow the men’s collections in such settings.
Currently, Valentino boasts 75 stores that carry both men’s and women’s lines, along with 25 boutiques dedicated solely to menswear. The company also plans to expand its menswear distribution in the upcoming year, targeting metropolises like Paris, Shanghai, Nagoya, Wuhan and New York.
Read more: Fendi goes to Tuscany: Men’s Spring/Summer 2024 show to unveil in Florence during Pitti Uomo
