Photo Credit: @maisonvalentino / Instagram

The Valentino Spring 2021 collection marked the first time Pierpaolo Piccioli presented in Milan with the brand. This decision was taken due to the travel restrictions to avoid the spread of COVID-19. But Piccioli has made the most out of it.

This season the creative director decided to focus more on the identity and redefinition of Valentino’s stylistic codes, rather than the aesthetic. For their latest couture collection, Pierpaolo created all white garments meant to signalize a new start for the house. So, basically, this choice makes a lot of sense.

Even though aesthetics wasn’t the main focus, this is one of his strongest prêt-a-porter collections to date. The clothes had visually simple and minimalist cuts, and played with couture elements such as texture, which was created through embroideries, macrame and crochet. Piccioli also played with other classics of the brand. Here, the famous rockstuds appeared in an enlarged scale.

If you pay attention, you’ll notice that only one print appears throughout this whole collection. It is a vibrant floral that was made famous by Anjelica Huston in 1972, after she was photographed by Giampaolo Barbieri wearing it.

The choice of location, a metallurgical foundry founded in 1936 called Fonderie Macchi, is a stark contrast from the usual sophisticated Parisian locations. Its undeniable that the setting helped convey Pierpaolo’s desired message. But the real heroes are the clothes. This collection is cohesive and interesting, and the garments have beautiful couture-esque details while still being extremely wearable.

Photo Credit: @maisonvalentino / Instagram