Attic Magic. Valentino SS26

Unpopular opinion: I loved Alessandro Michele’s Valentino collection. It seems many people don’t connect with his vision for the house the way they did with his Gucci era. Rumors are already swirling that the designer may be leaving after just three seasons, but I truly hope that isn’t true – he’s only just warming up, still in a chrysalis stage of transformation.

This season, Michele toned down the theatrics, yet I felt he sublimated his signature “attic magic” into something deeply sincere, vulnerable, and ultimately chic. The collection, poignantly titled “Fireflies“, lived up to its name: the models appeared like delicate, enchanting fireflies gliding through a vast, sci-fi-esque setting.

The first look – a gathered peacock-blue blouse tied with bows at the collar and hem, paired with chartreuse satin pants whose hems hugged the heels of the model’s shoes – felt retro-tinged yet somehow modern. Equally striking were a marvelous zebra-printed blouse and a black velvet evening dress adorned with a single pink feather at the V-neck. Another standout was a pleated orange top worn with a simple pair of jeans: so innocent, effortless, and spontaneous. Lana Del Rey sat front row at the show with her family: it all made sense. They all lived happily ever after.