At Paris Fashion Week, Valentino breaks the stereotype of black being dull by showcasing its versatility.

During the vibrant Paris Fashion Week, Valentino caught attention.

The well-known Italian fashion brand, known for their signature bright pink hue in recent years, opted to make a bold statement by introducing an all-black collection.

The lineup was titled Le Noir, a French phrase translating to black. Creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli effectively demonstrated that a runway show does not necessarily require bold hues to showcase an engaging collection.

The brand posted on X, previously known as Twitter: “This season, Pierpaolo takes a new look at Valentino by incorporating the color black, which encompasses a wide range of shades and infinite nuances.”

The fall/winter 2024 display began with a short dress featuring exaggerated shoulder pads reminiscent of the Eighties. This style has made frequent appearances this season, appearing at both the Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent shows.

In order to maintain variety, Piccioli experimented with different styles and fabrics in the collection. Some dresses had puffy sleeves, others featured structured, 1950s-inspired skirts, and there were also long, futuristic coats reminiscent of “The Matrix” era.

Light, delicate fabric floated along the catwalk while the models strutted, creating a contrast with frilly skirts, slick leather gloves, and sparkling jackets.

Valentino’s signature bags were showcased in various sizes and designs this season, ranging from compact clutches to oversized holdalls, adorned with striking silver accents.

The beauty appearance also aligned with the concept of making black more thrilling, as certain models showcased glossy black lips while others rocked a reverse cat-eye make-up look.

Valentino has a history of using bold colors, and their recent autumn/winter 2022 collection was no exception. Models were dressed in either a vibrant shade of fuschia or entirely in black.

This was not just any shade of pink – it was a specific shade Piccioli came up with in collaboration with Pantone, called Valentino Pink PP. It started flooding the red carpets, becoming a Valentino signature, and it seems Piccioli is keen to once again change things up.

In 2022, while speaking to AnOther Magazine, he shared his fixation with monochromatic shades. He explained that this technique was used by artists to highlight certain elements and evoke various emotions.

To me, it’s comparable to a monochromatic storybook where each chapter reveals a new layer of understanding. As you delve into the details such as hand gestures, facial expressions, and emotions, you begin to see the underlying concept of fashion as being about cutting, designing, shaping, and creating volume. It’s about patterns, textures, and forcing yourself to pay attention to the minutiae.

“It’s a fact – the completely black range had you intently trying to make out the intricate elements of the outfits, of which there were plenty.”

The collection featured many classic Valentino designs, including delicate chiffon and intricate lace embellishments. There were also some innovative additions, such as bold silhouettes paired with delicate fabrics.

Valentino believes that black is not a sober color, but one that exudes vitality and offers a departure from traditional notions of romance.

The show’s setting, known as the Hotel de Maisons and located in Paris, was a reflection of the romantic atmosphere portrayed.

Simone Ashley, star of Bridgerton, stayed true to the theme with loose black shorts and a large tuxedo jacket to match. However, the front row was not entirely solemn.

Serena Williams, a former professional tennis player, donned a shift dress in a deep plum shade featuring a white design with birds and delicate feathered cuffs.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, the model and creator of a beauty brand, experimented with subdued colors by donning a grey ensemble adorned with several gold accessories.

Source: independent.co.uk