Valentino SS2022: the revolution is complete

For years Pier Paolo Piccioli has been perfectly aware of the fact that fashion is changing. The change, which many tough characters still can’t completely accept, affects many aspects. By now there are words and concepts that we know: inclusiveness, shared wardrobe (gender free) and a sort of descent towards the people. In other words, elitist and snobbish exclusivism gives way to dialogue with ordinary people.

Thus, even the organization of the fashion shows themselves must change modus operandi. We are looking for ways to make them more visible – also literally – and, in this, the search for the location is fundamental. Pier Paolo Piccioli understood that, and with this collection he could finally give a real change to the timid hints of statements given so far. He could get to the people, he could get down to each other – literally, again – and create a real dialogue.

In his statement: “I think we have to take a step forward, not backward, and that’s why I didn’t want to go back to Paris and walk into a palace, or any of the places we’ve used before.” And so he took over the old market at the Carreau du Temple and a row of cafes and restaurants around it. In this way the public was able to be inside, and outside sitting at the bars’ tables together with the curious.

The final effect is so spontaneous and positive, just what Piccioli wanted. It is his sincere hug to Gen Z which, of course, has been reciprocating with great warmth for some time. The faces on the catwalk are also young. A mixtape of colors, fabrics, genres. The designer also hinted, in his statements, that he doesn’t want to talk much about the clothes themselves. He felt that this time his show of him could be much more, and therefore that there was no need for a description of what was there for all to see.

He perfectly succeeded in his intent. Valentino couture is transformed and adapted to young people without losing its particular magic, quality and creative flair.