<p><span>For his Resort 2026 collection for Valentino, Alessandro Michele continues a refined dialogue between past and present.</span></p>

<p><span>Always one of fashion's modern show men, </span>Alessandro Michele<span> signs his Resort 2026 collection for </span>Valentino<span> with much of his maximalist design allure. While some online critics bring comments like </span><em data-start="668" data-end="701">&ldquo;Why doesn&rsquo;t he create his own brand?&rdquo;</em><span>, Michele responds unapologetically with his strong visual language &mdash; a hundred or so looks that build a counter-discourse that is so solid and multi-faceted, all while being surprisingly faithful to the heritage of the Maison. It is as if he is saying: There&rsquo;s no point in raising your voice when you have beautiful pieces to show</span><em>.&nbsp;</em></p>

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<p data-start="1361" data-end="1689">In this lookbook, 132 silhouettes (75 women's and 57 men's) lie on beds of pink quilted satin, a setting between <em data-start="1462" data-end="1476">art de vivre</em> and a technicolour dream. A stark contrast to the <em>rouge-noir</em> and hyper-dramatic setting of last season: here, everything is lighter, more intimate. It is a new page, as we know, and it must be leafed through with care.</p>
<p data-start="1691" data-end="2029">Yet, beneath the padded surface, a sartorial mastery bubbles &mdash; one that is actually not new for a brand like Valentino. The cuts, the sculpted drapes as per Garavani tradition (how can you not notice that enchanting red minidress, the number one look of the collection), and those bows that embellish so many garments.</p>
<p data-start="1691" data-end="2029">The palette alternates between nuances of colour from black to optical white, and pastel shades, while the shapes are those between rigour and romanticism. There is the suit with a jacket and oversized Bermuda shorts (a tribute to the <em data-start="2261" data-end="2277">tailleur-mania</em>), as well as the pleated polka dot dress and a selection of desirable <em>grand soir&eacute;e looks.</em></p>
<p data-start="1691" data-end="2029">And it is precisely in the variety of details that Michele's controlled obsession for well-orchestrated excess is revealed. Retro lace, fringes, embroidery, boots with fur inserts, bags that are dressed in fringes and embroidery, and polka dots. It is a wardrobe that lives in perfect balance between memory and vision.</p>
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<p data-start="2490" data-end="2739">The Valentino man, also rethought, retreats from the lights to embrace a softer elegance: padded cardigans, micro patterns, sober piping. And when the decorum returns &mdash; cue brocade and feathers &mdash; it does so without becoming too invasive.</p>
<p data-start="2741" data-end="3057">Ultimately, the collection is a successful balancing act. Alessandro Michele does not deny himself, but he knows how to control his excellent decorative instinct to honour a legacy, without ever falling into sterile reverence. A gesture of a mature creative director, capable of speaking many languages &mdash; and also that of Valentino Garavani.</p>
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Valentino According to Alessandro Michele: The Resort 2026 Collection is revealed

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