excerpt: Valentino. Spring/Summer 2026 - Milan Fashion Week

 

"It's so good see Alessandro Michele's return, after being, let's be honest here, kicked from Gucci.  He really is one of the most sincere of the more recognizable fashion designers left in the industry, who are all defined by their own creative drive versus the corporate world of falling share prices, and conglomerate pressure.  With the avenge lifespan of a designer operating under these mega holding companies such as Kering or LVMH,  a 5 year tenure is the norm, Michele able to muster 7 years with Gucci, before being asked to leave, while Kering shifting three creative directors around, Demna Gvasalia went to Gucci, Pierpaolo Piccioli took Balenciaga, and Michele for Valentino.  And despite Kering owning 30% of Valentino, you can see how much weight and influence on brand names Kering has, in setting up renewed markets. 

Michele, despite the said squeeze between creativity and profits, has always stood his ground with being soical aware, pleading for fashion to slow down during the pandemic, and now with his debut for Valentino, he titled the show as "FIREFLIES", in homage to the late Italian director Paolo Pasolini, that they represent a "glimmer" with the "darkness of ruling fascism" during the 1940s..."

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(A.Glass 2025)

Full review:  chiasmusmagazine.blogspot.com/2025/11/valentino-springsummer-2026-milan.html