How is Valentino reinventing Fuchsia Pink?

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At Paris Fashion Week, there was a stunning monochrome pink runway show. Spotlight on the Valentino show.

On Sunday, March 6, from the Carreau du Temple in Paris, a new kind of show took place: a monochrome runway tinged with pink. Pierpaolo Piccioli, the artistic director of the Italian house Valentino, unveiled the pieces from his autumn/winter 2022/2023 collection last weekend. Here’s a recap of this eventful show. 

Pink as a Background 

On Sunday, March 6, during the Fashion Week, the Carreau du Temple, an emblematic place of culture in Paris, dressed in pink to host the monochrome show of the Italian label Valentino. From the front row, guests seemed hypnotized not only by the show but also by the decor. In keeping with the collection, the hall donned its most beautiful outfit, the Pink PP. An ode to the color of “love, energy, community, and freedom,” as Pierpaolo Piccioli declares. 

This staging was specifically designed to enhance the silhouette rather than focus on the initial appearance of the presented looks. This is the stance that the designer defends, as for him, the intensity of the decor and the abundance of pink allow the eye to eventually focus not on the whole, but rather on the details such as the expressions on the models’ faces, the silhouette, the neckline of the garments, etc. 

In his show, it is indeed uniformity that the Valentino designer sought, both in the scripting of the show and in the pieces themselves. By subtracting the superficial, the creator focuses on the essential. A way for him to highlight physiques, attitudes, and textures through his monochromatic palette, thus attracting the audience’s eye differently. 

Monochronism as a Style Exercise

In this show, the use of monochronism proves to be a true stylistic feat. The haute couture pieces are highlighted in a completely different way, in their utmost simplicity, alongside the silhouettes. In the ready-to-wear collection, the Italian label played with graphic lines with ever more refined cuts. The emphasis on volume is also notable, with short, puffy dresses contrasted against long, sleek coats. Regarding textures, the keyword is multitude: sequins, veils, knits… They represent diversity as a tribute to the creator’s vision. 

And to contrast day and night, the second part of the show offered its guests a display in deep black against a fuchsia backdrop. A poetically represented opposition. 

“Pink PP”, the New Valentino Signature

Much to the chagrin of minimalism lovers, “Pink PP” will be the next trending color of winter 2023. And this hue was specifically developed by the designer himself for his collection. Striking yet sophisticated, Piccioli’s fuchsia aims to be modern. This shade will officially be added to the Pantone color selection, potentially becoming the new reference. 

Beyond perfecting style, “Pink PP” also invites one to see the world differently. “I wanted to create a moment of reflection on what is happening.” It is a color that, according to the Italian house’s creator, encourages everyone to dig deep to see and understand the very essence of creation. 

“I am interested in the idea of a humanism that fuels creativity.” True to his values, “Pink PP” also embodies the idea of bringing a bit of lightness and optimism, as a way to combat the prevailing gloominess.