An escalating trend in the fashion world is the selection of awe-inspiring locations as backdrops for runway shows. The grander, the better appears to be the governing principle, as labels and designers strive to make their mark even beyond the city boundaries of traditional fashion weeks. One standout in this growing trend is Valentino. The next stop for the brand on this luxe circuit? None other than the historical Château de Chantilly for the Fall/Winter 2023 Haute Couture collection during Paris’s Haute Couture week, will show at 7:30pm on 5th July.
Immersed in history and ostentation, the Château de Chantilly, situated about 50 km from the heart of Paris, makes an impeccable choice for the Valentino Haute Couture presentation. This monumental 14th-century edifice, located in the namesake town, embodies the opulence associated with Valentino’s creations. Notable for its intricate maze of hallways, lavish salons adorned with Renaissance-era artworks and jewels, the Château could hint towards the creative direction Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino’s Creative director, intends for the collection.
The estate consists of the Grand Château, resurrected in the 1870s after destruction during the French Revolution, and the Petit Château, dating back to the mid-16th century. Surrounded by verdant French-style gardens replete with detailed parterres, water bodies, pavilions, and even a waterfall, the Château is a testament to architectural and aesthetic grandeur. The property, owned by the Institut de France, serves not only as an emblem of historical magnificence but also as a public space welcoming visitors from around the world.
Valentino’s decision to host the event at the Château de Chantilly reflects a continuation of the brand’s adventurous location choices across seasons. Traditionally, Valentino’s couture collections found their stage in Paris, yet the label has consistently ventured beyond the capital’s borders.
The label’s “The Beginning” Haute Couture show for Fall/Winter 2022 transformed Rome’s Piazza Mignanelli and the neighboring Spanish Steps into an open-air runway. The 2021 “Valentino des Ateliers” Haute Couture event found a home in Venice’s Gaggiandre at the Arsenale. Even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Valentino adapted and persevered, presenting the Fall/Winter 2020 Haute Couture show, “Of Grace and Light“, at the Cinecittà studios just outside Rome.
The announcement of the upcoming event at Château de Chantilly underscores the significance luxury brands like Valentino attribute to their presentation. It is not merely about the couture; it’s about creating a holistic experience that marries breathtaking fashion with extraordinary surroundings, leaving a lasting impression on clients, buyers, and media attendees. For those unable to witness the spectacle firsthand, the show will be live-streamed on valentino.com and the brand’s social channels.
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