Alessandro Michele’s debut collection reaches new audiences in a strategic retail collaboration
Alessandro Michele’s debut for Valentino is entering Dover Street Market’s global platform, marking a significant collaboration between the Italian fashion house and the international concept retailer founded by Rei Kawakubo and Adrian Joffe. This partnership introduces Michele’s “Avant les Débuts” Resort 2025 collection to new audiences through a series of pop-up installations, beginning Thursday at Dover Street Market locations in London, Tokyo’s Ginza, New York, Singapore, Los Angeles, and Paris. The collaboration will extend with special displays in Dover Street Market’s Elephant Space at Ginza and Beijing on Nov. 13.
The partnership between Valentino and Dover Street Market will evolve into the establishment of permanent Maison Valentino spaces within the retailer. The first space opens in London on Nov. 19, followed by Beijing in January, and Ginza and New York in February. Valentino’s CEO, Jacopo Venturini, emphasized shared values between the two brands, stating, “It’s a partnership that underscores our maison’s commitment to showcasing our Roman couture heritage in the contemporary landscape. And working together, we will take the Valentino Avant Les Débuts spring 2025 collection by Alessandro Michele to original and exciting pop-up homes all around the world, embracing new clients in unique spaces.”
Joffe echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the collaborative process: “Journeys, moments and explorations are the best parts of all of this. The unexpected meetings at the crossroads of various hearts and minds are the exciting things we look forward to.”
The “Avant les Débuts” Resort 2025 collection launched at Valentino’s Paris stores on Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne on Sept. 30, reaching other Valentino locations worldwide in early October. Michele’s debut campaign for Valentino also premiered with the collection, following his unexpected reveal of the designs during Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June.
Michele’s initial collection at Valentino was one of the most anticipated events of Paris Fashion Week, where speculation centered on how the former Gucci creative director would reinterpret the Italian label’s identity. The collection channeled the spirit of the 1970s and 1980s, incorporating hippie chic elements, bourgeois classicism, and Valentino trademarks like ruffles and polka dots. Among those seated in the front row were Giancarlo Giammetti, co-founder of Valentino, and Michele’s close circle, including Harry Styles, Jared Leto, Andrew Garfield, Florence Welch, and Elton John.