Valentino Spring 2026 Collection Revives 1980s Glamour with Literary-Inspired Designs

Alessandro Michele's Valentino Spring/Summer 2026 collection is a nuanced blend of vintage inspiration and modern restraint, drawing heavily from the glamour of the 1970s and 1980s while emphasizing embroidery, embellishment, and refined silhouettes. The show, themed "Fireflies," symbolized light and resilience, featuring dramatic yet wearable pieces under strobing lights that enhanced the collection's retro vibe with bold colors like bubblegum pink, chartreuse, and royal purple. Michele's approach marks a philosophical evolution from his earlier maximalist style to one of clarity, grace, and contemplation, aligning more closely with founder Valentino Garavani's vision of beauty as devotion and craft as a moral act. Set against a darkened arena with minimal styling, the collection showcased a tension between softness and strength, with standout pieces like bias-cut satin dresses and intricately beaded gowns that evoke a poetic resistance to contemporary darkness. Critics note that Michele's work now balances emotional resonance with precise craftsmanship, creating a mature, inwardly ornate Valentino that celebrates both memory and modernity. The show was also noted for its theatrical elements, including glow sticks and a voiceover by Pamela Anderson, underscoring the collection’s theme of luminous survival.