The limited-edition publication extends Alessandro Michele’s Haute Couture collection through a photographic narrative by Mark Borthwick
Valentino hosted a private event on Tuesday evening at the Marciano Art Foundation in Los Angeles to mark the release of Specula Mundi, a new Haute Couture book documenting Alessandro Michele’s collection through the lens of photographer Mark Borthwick. The gathering was attended by Michele and CEO Riccardo Bellini, alongside a group of guests including Patricia Arquette, Mindy Kaling, Maude Apatow, and Teyana Taylor.
The event featured a Kaiserpanorama installation recreating the scenography of the Specula Mundi show presented in Paris in January, allowing attendees to experience a continuous visual sequence drawn from the book. The installation translated the runway presentation into an immersive format, reinforcing the project’s focus on extending the collection beyond its original context.
Produced in a limited edition of 1,500 numbered copies, the book is positioned as a collectible object, combining Borthwick’s photographic approach with Michele’s couture narrative. The publication captures the atmosphere and themes of the show through a series of images that emphasize intimacy and visual continuity.
The project reflects Valentino’s ongoing investment in alternative forms of storytelling, linking fashion, publishing, and exhibition formats. As a house with roots in Rome and a couture presence in Paris, the brand continues to develop projects that situate its collections within a broader cultural framework.
Specula Mundi will be available from May 11, 2026, in selected Valentino boutiques worldwide.
