After a sporty-themed womenswear Resort show in New York, Pierpaolo Piccioli is bringing an athletic spirit to his Valentino menswear collection. In Paris, Piccioli ditched the suiting in favor of slim track pants, oversize anoraks, and a new beaded sneaker style that’s part moccasin, part runner. More on that below, plus three more things to know about the show. Check Vogue Runway later for Sarah Mower’s review.
It Might Be a Spring Collection, But Outerwear Is the StoryThe show opened with a black, green, and white anorak followed by a similar slightly boxy style in gray, cyan, and pink. Then came Valentino-designed fleeces in coral and red and heavily embroidered track jackets, cargo jackets, and a crisp kelly green coach’s jacket. Let’s hope for a cool Spring 2018 so these numbers get some use.
It’s Like Logomania, But DifferentPiccioli dug into the Valentino archives and became fixated on the brand’s elegant, serif logos of the ’80s and ’90s. He gave them a modern spin by printing the abbreviation VLTN on the tails of thin scarves.
Who Better to Sit Front Row Than Real Athletes?Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony were among the NBA players in Valentino’s front row today. Wade took over the Valentino Snapchat account too, giving viewers a firsthand look at his—and his wife Gabrielle Union’s—prep for the show.
Beaded Sneakers Are the ThingValentino has seen success with its simple white sneaker with red band across the middle. Spring’s shoes couldn’t be more different. With a high sole, brightly colored middle, and rainbow beaded trim, the kicks are an eccentric take on running shoes.