Valentino SS27 Was All About Seeing the Potential
Titled “Antibiblioteca,” the collection strived to emphasize the beauty of what’s not yet been touched.
Our first thought when watching Valentino‘s Spring/Summer 2027 showcase was, “Has anyone ever seen this many incredibly dressed people at our local library?”
This season, the House’s creative director, Alessandro Michele, requested guests bring a book to donate at the show, which took place at Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève. Dubbed “Antibiblioteca,” the collection featured what felt like at least 100 looks, each more fabulous than the last. From “Villain Teen” branded caps and sequinned jumpers to indulgent jewels and fishtail gowns, SS27 made dressing up feel like the ultimate luxury.
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Despite its name and location, the collection itself wasn’t about books, libraries, or any combination of the two. Instead, it was about potential. “Many of the garments that we see in a fashion show belong entirely to the realm of potentiality,” this season’s show notes explain, adding that “Their significance is not exhausted by the definition of use value; rather, it extends to what they make conceivable.”
With that in mind, Michele likened the garments we might never wear to the books still sitting unread on our shelves. While many people might see those things as a negative, as a regret or a waste, Michele sees them as promises. As possibilities. An opportunity to enrich our lives and experience something new.
How that manifested in the actual collection was through a sense of freedom, not thinking about consumption and actual use, but instead thinking about what could’ve been, what could still be. Taking experimentation and joy to the next level, SS27 was the sum of infinite possibilities, merging vivid colors with fringing, tasselling and sequins, clashing prints and fabrics through the lens of Valentino and Michele.
Check out some of the standout looks above. For more from PFW, check out our latest recap.
