Alessandro Michele Unveils Bathroom-Inspired Extravaganza for Valentino FW25
Alessandro Michele has made his triumphant return to the fashion spotlight with an unforgettable sophomore presentation for Valentino. Following his highly acclaimed debut collection after transitioning from Gucci, the visionary designer transformed the Fall/Winter 2025 runway into a crimson-bathed bathroom setting that left the audience in raptures.
The unconventional venue featured blood-red tinted walls lined with bathroom stalls, creating an intimate yet theatrical atmosphere that perfectly complemented Michele’s boundary-pushing aesthetic. As toilet flushes morphed into Lana Del Rey’s haunting melody “Breaking Up Slowly,” models emerged dramatically from behind stall doors, unveiling the designer’s latest interpretation of the iconic fashion house’s legacy.
The front row buzzed with celebrity energy as Chappell Roan, Jared Leto, and Barry Keoghan enthusiastically witnessed Michele’s creative revolution unfold. Each look was met with escalating cheers as the collection masterfully blended Michele’s signature maximalism with thoughtful references to Valentino’s rich archival heritage.
Opening with a daringly translucent lace bodysuit strategically undone—suggesting a hurried exit from a bathroom encounter—the collection quickly established its provocative yet luxurious tone. Sumptuous fur coats, expertly tailored wool trousers with dramatic flares, and statement pearl jewelry followed in rapid succession, each piece more captivating than the last.
While the venue was drenched in Valentino’s signature red, this iconic hue also materialized in the collection’s third look: a striking staple coat that commanded attention. Architectural dresses with bold shoulders, graphic kimonos with mesmerizing patterns, and feline-adorned gowns elicited audible gasps from attendees who remained thoroughly engaged throughout the presentation.
The collection seamlessly integrated 1970s-inspired suiting with contemporary elements, creating a dynamic tension between vintage and modern sensibilities. Gold-trimmed evening gowns exuded opulence, while “PANTHER 60” jerseys injected an unexpected sportswear influence. Elegantly constructed bow-tied tops demonstrated Michele’s meticulous attention to detail, and an exciting new Vans collaboration highlighted Valentino’s increasingly diverse design approach.
As the presentation concluded, models retreated to their respective bathroom stalls, bringing the theatrical experience full circle. Michele’s second runway collection for Valentino has firmly established that his creative touch continues to transform everything in its path into fashion gold, cementing his position as one of the industry’s most influential voices.