Alessandro Michele Expresses Gentle Sophistication and Ethereal Romance for Valentino Spring 2026.

      Pier Paolo Pasolini was an Italian filmmaker, poet, and author known for his exploration of themes such as class, sexuality, religion, and politics. In 1975, amidst World War II, he released a letter about fireflies, contemplating their resilience in the darkest moments. This theme of endurance and optimism inspired Alessandro Michele, who drew from Pasolini's insight to craft Valentino's spring 2026 collection. The line, named "Fireflies," was showcased under flashing lights that mimicked the flickering of fireflies, enhancing the dramatic atmosphere and aligning with the source of inspiration. The show notes were announced over a loudspeaker by Pamela Anderson, who was seated in the front row. They encouraged the audience to "disarm the eyes and reawaken the gaze," highlighting how fashion can rejuvenate our lives with light and meaning. The collection featured 80 looks that blended various textures through lace, tulle, sequins, beads, and silk fabrics, illuminating the dim venue. Vibrant bursts of color and floral embellishments added a festive spirit, while eye-catching statement necklaces and chandelier earrings evoked the image of a firefly gliding through the night sky. For further insights into Michele's collection, continue scrolling.

      The Arrivals

      Over the years, Michele has established a strong connection with celebrities during his time at Fendi, Gucci, and now Valentino. He not only styles them but also frequently collaborates with them, drawing inspiration and treating them as muses. Many celebrities showed their support by attending his spring 2026 show in Paris today. One such attendee was Lana Del Rey, a friend of Michele, who wore a lilac gown with fur-trimmed off-the-shoulder straps. Pamela Anderson was also present, dressed in a black dress with quarter-length sleeves, lace tights, and fuchsia pumps. Other notable celebrities in attendance included Emma Chamberlain, Colman Domingo, and Charlotte Lawrence.

      Colorful Maximalism

      Michele didn't just depend on the pulsating venue lights to highlight the collection. The garments themselves contributed to the illumination with a carefully curated, emotionally resonant color palette. Bubblegum pink and tangerine brought bursts of vitality; violet and lilac provided a poetic essence, reflecting Pasolini's influence; mustard yellow offered grounding moments; cerulean blue brought an airy, expansive feel; and lemon yellow served as a pure light source—among other hues.

      Bows, Bows, Bows

      Bows emerged as a recurrent theme throughout the collection. From the very first look—a soft blue long-sleeve tunic featuring a bow at the neckline and another at the hem—it was evident that Michele had purposefully included them. These motifs also appeared in his spring 2025 haute couture and ready-to-wear collection for Valentino (think the Bowow pumps). More bows were seen on open-toe pumps, as well as larger ones adorning the collars of minidresses—both in blazer and tiered ruffled styles. Much like fireflies, bows might seem delicate and gentle, but they indeed possess precision, radiance, and strength.

      Bedazzled

      In the latter portion of the collection, Michele escalated the boldness, transitioning from romantic tailoring and soft bows to striking, embellished outfits adorned with sequins, beads, and crystals. The menswear included a sheer polo shirt with crystal tassels dangling from the collar, a gold sequin blazer paired with black trousers, and a metallic long-sleeve sequin zip-up layered beneath an orange blazer. For women's wear, a range of floor-length sequin and beaded dresses in silver and gold was showcased. Other noteworthy pieces featured a green sequin blouse embellished with gold teardrop shapes and floral-beaded bags, akin to designs now found on the Vain bag.

      Sharp Tailoring

      For a designer typically associated with maximalism and eclectic styles, Michele's spring 2026 collection stood out due to its more streamlined silhouettes and sharp structures. This was evident in single-breasted blazers, long coats, and minidresses with broad, defined shoulders. Both menswear and womenswear featured straight-leg tailored trousers in neutral gray and black, alongside bold cobalt blue and fuchsia hues. The collection also included fitted pencil skirts crafted from silk, satin, velvet, and lace.

      The Jewelry Edit

      One thing is clear; Michele aims for us to enjoy our accessories, as demonstrated by snake-adorned heels and beaded butterfly brooches. Even fringe bags contributed a sense of movement. However, the highlight of the show was the jewelry. Oversized chandelier earrings cascaded from the earlobe to the shoulder, creating a striking effect with every movement. Delicate butterfly necklaces were gracefully draped along the models' backs, lending an ethereal charm. Cuff bracelets resembling ancient armor featured vibrant stones, while bold metal pendant necklaces enhanced the décolletage of both men and women.