Valentino After Dark. Piccioli’s Club-Inspired Couture Collection Celebrates the Energy of Fashion
It's Pierpaolo Piccioli's party... we're just dancing in it
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
Pierpaolo Piccioli has become renowned for his emotive haute couture collections. The Valentino Creative Director’s discerning use of color (crimson red, now-viral “Valentino” hot pink, royal purple), larger-than-life sculptural shapes, dramatic feather detailing and layered frothy tulle have defined the epitome of what it means to show a sensational couture collection.
This morning in Paris for the Spring-Summer 2023 runway show, it was no different. Industry stalwarts and A-listers alike (Anne Hathaway, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Dove Cameron and Doja Cat among them) gathered at Pont Alexandre III along the Seine to witness some of that Valentino magic in real time — and magic it was.
Aptly titled Le Club Couture, described on Instagram as “the energy, the sound, the feel of couture,” each looked begged for a good time. Neon hosiery, dramatically fluffy collars, micro-mini hemlines and plenty of 3D floral appliqué were present. A diaphanous light lavender gown, mermaid-like turquoise mini and a yves-klein-blue-and-sequinned-pink set complete with floral opera coat were true highlights. Bold, big and joyous, Le Club Couture is proof that Piccioli’s Valentino tenure continues to shine.
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
On the beauty front, there was a similar undercurrent of nightlife cool. Makeup artist Pat McGrath served up a melting pot of Disco-ready looks: Studio 54-inspired draped fuchsia blush, sleek feline wings, deep cherry gloss and bright brows were on the menu. Of course, her signature translucent skin was also on display.
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
Hair was probably the mostly understated element — a collection of glossed but natural styles, curated by the imitable Guido Palau. Loose waves, chic low buns, soft side-sweeps and chic crops were all seen moving down the runway. Combined with McGrath’s makeup magic and Piccioli’s awe-inspiring couture pieces, this is a collection that makes us want to party.
Scroll on for further looks.
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Valentino Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
