Valentino Diary Resort S/S 21
Creative director of the house, Piccioli, personally narrated his fashion through an intimate diary of photographs. The brand describes it as ‘a non-filtered dialogue between the Creative Director and the models’. The campaign was shot not in the usual city of New York, but in Piccioli’s base and hometown of Nettuno in the region of Lazio, Italy. This collection is a joyful celebration of life that works intertwined with nature, not against it. Piccioli stated:
‘I wanted to convey spontaneity and truth, even imperfection – but it’s the feel of human imperfection you long for right now’.
The creative director’s decision to photograph the resort collection himself stems from his desire to convey an unedited, raw message. He succeeded in this, the photographs convey intimacy, partly due to the surroundings being Piccioli’s personal spots. His photos are a reflection of a sense of humanity and make one long for a getaway with close friends.
Valentino resort S/S 21 is all about embracing a radical simplicity. The flowing, toned-down silhouettes and bold prints of the clothing paint a picture of a self-assured woman. Piccioli managed to effortlessly fuse extravagance and ease. Glittery fabrics are casually paired with uber-relaxed cuts. The Maison’s signature characteristics, like ruffles, soft volume, and flowers, were applied on items like hats, shopping bags, and sandals. The egalitarian collection features the Valentino Garavani Roman Stud handbag, a bold yet sophisticated evolution of the iconic Valentino stud, enlarged in a macro version.
The images embody a sense of shared friendship, love, and human connection. All elements that have been heavenly missed this year. The collection also picks up on the discourse of identity through fashion, supporting the claim that dress shapes one’s identity. Piccioli’s leitmotif is acknowledging and embodying current themes and moods in his designs. Thus, this collection is gender-neutral, mixing both women’s and men’s fashion. The images’ spontaneity and the visible bond between the photographer and the models explore a narrative of individuality and humanity that is beautifully executed.
