Photo: Courtesy of Valentino
Taking inspiration from the concept of deconstruction, Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli has created a distinctive, one-of-a-kind collection for SS23 – Unboxing Valentino. As a part of nine interpretations relying on renowned stylists in cities across the globe, the maison is now bringing a unique experience to Dubai with a little help from none other than Anna Dello Russo.
Unboxing Valentino is a celebration of individuality and the limitlessness of creative impulses. The diversity of artistic expression that is so essential to fashion is brought to the forefront as each stylist interprets the collection in line with their own visual language. Despite their different approaches, what ties each leg of Unboxing Valentino together is the genderless approach to the collection, which is heavily adorned in Toile Iconograph, a visual attestation to the Valentino identity.
Photo: Courtesy of Valentino
In this unboxing of sartorial expressiveness, the city of choice is just as essential as the stylist. This complex organism relying on repeated patterns – much like the quintessential Valentino Toile Iconograph – becomes the perfect vessel for Unboxing Valentino and all that it hopes to represent. What emerges is an amalgamation of spirits between the maison, the stylist, and the city itself, as unique displays are erected across these nine interpretations – a fusion of styles and stories formed from time, place, and personality.
In Dubai, Valentino is assisted by the iconic Dello Russo, who is without a doubt one of the most influential women in fashion. The creative consultant has a long list of accolades to her name, from being considered one of the pioneers of street style to having a celebrated Vogue career in as fashion editor. Holding a mirror to the city, Anna Dello Russo draws upon the abundance of Dubai to construct her display with Valentino. The window invites passers-by into a world where fantasy reigns supreme – cool aquamarine and gold create the feel of a fish tank as feathers, sequin-clad dresses gloves, statement accessories paint the mannequins like tropical fish.
Photo: Courtesy of Valentino
The remaining physical manifestations of Unboxing Valentino find themselves through the creative expression of Law Roach in New York, Rebbeca Corbin-Murray’s floral-infusion in in London, and Clement Lomellini’s torn paper backdrop in Paris, along with Geum Nam in Seoul, Masataka Hattori in Tokyo, Lorenzo Posocco in Milan, and Mix We in Shanghai. The ninth window exists online, an offering to individuals around the world. Created by styling duo Grandquist, this digital display draws upon the intensity of red, the color that expresses Valentino’s purest essence.
Visitors at Valentino stores in multiple cities around the world can also enjoy in-store activations including styling sessions, while AI powered by GameOn Technology creates dynamic social interactions and a whole new way to discover the collection for those at home. In addition to this, the experience also features an aural dimension, with stylists curating playlists that are a reflection of their installations. Not only will this additional expression of individuality be streamed in select boutiques, it will also be available on the Maison Valentino Spotify page.
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