Valentino Blends 80s Glamour with Baroque Elegance in Rome Return

Valentino returned to its Roman origins for a breathtaking Fall/Winter 2026–27 runway presentation, held at the historic Palazzo Barberini. The event took place only two months after the death of founder Valentino Garavani, which made it a very sad time for the fashion house. About 700 people came, including actress Gwyneth Paltrow, to see the brand's newest collection in one of the city's most famous Baroque settings.

Valentino usually shows its collections in Paris, but this season creative director Alessandro Michele chose Rome to honor the brand's roots since it was founded in 1960.

The collection was heavily influenced by 1980s fashion, with structured shoulders, cinched waists, and mini-skirts making up the bold shapes. Models walked down a runway covered in grass under Pietro da Cortona's famous ceiling fresco. This made a strong contrast between modern fashion and classical art.

Accessories played a crucial role, with bold jewelry such as large pearls and eye-catching pendants adding a touch of opulence to the overall aesthetic. Michele talked about the late 1980s and 1990s as a time of creativity and empowerment, especially for women. This was a time when fashion focused on confidence and being yourself.

The collection also showed off Valentino's signature craftsmanship, with pleated fabrics and draped shapes that were meant to celebrate the female form. Michele said that this way of thinking about women as strong, central figures was what she was going for.

The finale featured a show-stopping creation: a long-sleeved gown in Valentino's signature red, showcasing a striking open back. Michele acknowledged the challenge of working with such a vivid hue, yet he emphasized its significance to the brand's core, a nod to Valentino's enduring reputation for elegance and glamour.