Alessandro Michele Wants You to "Reawaken the Gaze" for SS26
“It’s the only way to understand how the gloom of our present is actually woven with light swarms of fireflies.”
This season, Valentino‘s Alessandro Michele encouraged us to stop and smell the roses. Only, instead of roses, they were fireflies and instead of smelling, it was all about “reawakening.” Interrogating fashion’s purpose, and how it can help us to make sense of the world around us, the Spring/Summer 2026 collection was titled “Fireflies” and aimed to remind us of the small moments of positivity.
Attended by Pamela Anderson and Lana Del Rey, the immersive showcase began with a voice-over script, tributing the Italian poet, Pier Paolo Pasolini. What followed was a strobe-like light show and out came 80 opulent looks, each emblazoned with Michele’s signature sense of grandeur and maximalism.
Featuring complementary color combinations, decadent embroideries and classic tailoring, the SS26 collection evolved Michele’s hedonistic debut with a more refined edge, paring back the excessive ruffles and layering that characterized his SS25 collection.
Still, the eclectic showcase featured glistening gowns dripping in sequins, sheer netted dresses with hints of embroidery and ruffled detailing, signatures of Michele’s design vision.
Take a look at Valentino SS26 above and for more from Paris Fashion Week, check out our latest recap.
