Unboxing Valentino SS23 at PFW
Photos: Courtesy of Valentino
As day seven of Paris Fashion Week rolled around, it was time for the unveiling, or in this case, the unboxing of the Valentino Spring/Summer 2023 collection. But this time, there was a question in many people’s minds, or at least for this editor — what could possibly be next after the stunning Pink PP collection unveiled for Fall/Winter 2022?
With a giant black Valentino structure for photos outside of Le Garreau du Temple, we got a hint of what was to unfold. And once actress Zendaya made her entrance in an all black outfit with sheer bodysuit, long jacket and shorts with the Valentino “V” logo integrated into her entire look, down to her shoes, we knew the tone for this show would be different.
The Valentino logo motif (in black) from face to shoes was used as a print in the very first look to hit the runway, a flowing, caped gown in nude. Following that, varying shades of monochromatic nude, beige and brown looks appeared, definitely a much more subdued color palette in a range of silhouettes throughout the 91 look collection. The color palette then transitioned into black, also a dominant color throughout the collection and ultimately in elegant finale gowns, both masculine and feminine in styling, all instantly timeless, classic, and ready for the red carpet. While there were also moments of vivid color when looks in yellow, red, blue, green and purple appeared on the runway, it was a darker and moody tone for the warmer seasons ahead.
Overall, there’s a beautiful restraint and simplicity in a collection devoid of ornate details and excess, one more streamlined in essence. Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli unboxed for his audience a glamorous collection which was simply sublime.
Runway
Details
Backstage
