Valentino Introduces L’Atelier Sonore at Madison Avenue Boutique
Valentino, under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, has unveiled L’Atelier Sonore, an immersive listening room located within its Madison Avenue boutique. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Italian cultural collective Terraforma, offers visitors a unique auditory experience.
The mezzanine floor of the boutique has been transformed into a dedicated sonic space, featuring a bespoke sound system and a handcrafted multifunctional listening console inspired by traditional cabinet-making. The design also includes modular seating with velvet cushions, all enveloped in a patchwork of finely veneered woods.
Soundscapes for L’Atelier Sonore have been curated by Terraforma, a platform known for its experimentation in sound and ecology. Sound designer Giorgio Di Salvo, recognized for his contributions to streetwear, played a pivotal role in crafting these auditory experiences.
Alessandro Michele emphasized the significance of music in his creative process, stating, “I really like to work with musicians, because the sounds, music and everything that is impalpable are part of my work.” He further elaborated, “Music directly interacts with the mise-en-scene and the creation of objects. My creative life is made of sounds, and music is a powerful language that suits me and that I love to employ.”
Ruggero Pietromarchi, founder of Terraforma, described the collaboration as a meaningful cultural encounter, stating, “I feel about this collaboration as a meaningful cultural encounter, where aesthetics, sound and design engage in an elevated dialogue. L’Atelier Sonore is an immersive listening experience that unfolds organically across a rich spectrum of sound and textures.” He added, “The space itself becomes a sonic extension for expression and exchange, embodying Terraforma’s ongoing exploration of sound as a spatial practice, in deep resonance with Alessandro Michele’s distinctive aesthetic sensibility for Maison Valentino. This project is driven by a shared commitment to pushing creative boundaries and reimagining the ways we experience and inhabit space through sound.”
To commemorate the opening, Valentino and Terraforma hosted a 10-hour live program featuring international artists such as Laraaji, Lea Bertucci, Laurel Halo, Lizzi Bougatsos, Chuquimamani-Condori, Kevin Beasley, Veronica Vasicka, and Physical Therapy. A limited number of public entries were made available through registration on Valentino’s website.
Following the event, a curated playlist by Terraforma continues to play in the background, available to visitors in the days thereafter. From May 16 through the end of August, L’Atelier Sonore remains open daily, with select occasions hosting listening sessions where friends of the house share personal music selections from their collections.
Terraforma, established in 2014, is a hub for cross-disciplinary cultural activities, including an international festival of experimental music oriented toward sustainability. Their projects range from “Terraforma Exo,” uniting thinkers, musicians, and artists in sound and ecology, to “Terraforma Symposium,” fostering discussions on sustainability through new practices, and “Terraforma Journal,” blending sound, art, ecology, and contemporary culture.
