This parade was a celebration of individuality, the power of femininity and the transformative power of the color black. In an uncertain world, fashion can be the key to collective consciousness. Pierpaolo Piccioli showed us how to do it today
PARIS – No. 51 rue de l'Universitè in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district is the Hotel Pozzo di Borgo, one of the most beautiful historic private houses in the center of Paris. Karl Lagerfeld He chose it as his home and lived in the first floor apartment for over thirty years, hosting parties and dinners that have gone down in fashion history. And it is precisely in these magnificent halls, decorated with golden stucco, large mirrors and majestic crystal chandeliers Maison Valentino introduced his new one Fall/Winter 2025 Collection “Valentino Le Noir”. An all-black collection through which the creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli has redefined the concept of the color blackand transforms it from the absence of color into a universe of light, form and meaning. It's the new Nero Valentino. “Exploring the possibilities of black is look for the light in the darkness“, said the designer at a meeting with the Italian press. “At this historical moment, I felt the need to forego color in order to say something more by choosing a single color to encompass all the others. It is my way of giving shape to this reactionary time we are living through“explains Piccioli. Just as matter emerges from a black hole, Pierpaolo, with his creative energy, has brought forth a universe of shades and interpretations from this monolithic color.
“Baudelaire said that Black is the uniform of democracy and this sentence seems more relevant today than ever. Not just because it's the color most worn, but because it represents universality and individuality at the same time“, emphasizes the creative director. And the show was exactly that: an ode to black democracy, reimagined through Piccioli's unique vision. From the sculptural silhouettes of the 80s to contemporary mini dresses, through a game of redefining model shapes; Valentino's aesthetic embraced the power of uncompromising femininity. “A woman doesn't have to dress like a man to be powerful – says Piccioli -. Fashion can empower through clothing and affirm the strength of femininity in a significant way.”
As the poignant notes of Alexander Desplat and Solrey's soundtrack rang in the air, duffle coats adorned with a shiny band of raffia and organza feathers, sweatshirts fashioned into coats, minidresses fashioned from the tailored cut of a jacket, and a slew of silk dresses . By choosing different materials Pierpaolo Piccioli explored the boundaries of light and shadow: From floral lace embroidery to abstract ruffles, from the highest craftsmanship to sensual transparency, every detail highlights a different nuance.
“Black is not just a color, but a canvas on which you can paint new worlds.”says Piccioli again. “We must remember the past to overcome it, but we must not be prisoners of nostalgia. In moments like these, when it's difficult to imagine the future, what you already know is reassuring. But The job of fashion is to give shape to changeYou.” And he claims: “I feel free in my work, but everywhere I see that producers have more say than artists, in all areas, from music to cinema to art.” But commercial success always comes from Creativity.” And that is exactly the secret why he always manages to reach the hearts of those who see his clothes. The emotion arises at the same moment the eyes perceive the image, because every piece of clothing is imbued with meaning and symbolism. This parade was a celebration of individuality, the power of femininity and the transformative power of the color black. In an uncertain world, fashion can be the key to collective consciousness. Pierpaolo Piccioli showed us how to do it today.