FOR A long time the attention has been diverted from Red Valentino, the little sister brand of the Italian luxury fashion house Valentino. With couture shows, ready-to-wear and a sea of accessories that are making noise for the whole industry to hear, our attention has been directed to Pierpaolo Piccioli’s magic season-upon-season as he dazzles us with a triumph of beauty. However, behind-the-scenes Red Valentino has transformed and is about to take centre stage.
Red Valentino Pre-FW21 collection
Rebellious at heart and feminine by nature, Pierpaolo has quietly transformed the sister brand into one-to-watch. Reimagining the codes and aesthetics through a bold filter, the Creative Director has created the perfect balance between contemporary and romanticism. The Pre-Fall 2021 clothes are designed to be functional for the city girl whilst remaining timeless, and a staple of her wardrobe.
Red Valentino Pre-FW21 collection
The Red Valentino girl is radical, exciting and fast, and Pierpaolo has blurred the lines between day-and-night attire creating a collection that breaks the conventions and re-establishes rules. Proportions are exaggerated, knitwear becomes outerwear, and tulle ruffles are added to coats and anoraks become a staple.
Red Valentino Pre-FW21 collection
The surprise addition of denim in the Valentino SS21 collection transfers itself into the Red Valentino Pre-Fall as the fabric becomes a tool to inject some cool into the brand. Padded, yet lightweight in touch, the outerwear enhances the wearability of the pieces bringing an urban spin on the romantic clothes – bow and frill detailing anchor the element of femininity whilst still ensuring the Red Valentino woman continues to be true to herself.
Brogues and boots are re-introduced with chunky soles for that punk edge, and new Rock Pois pointed-toe mules are reworked with a new pattern. Pre-Fall 2021 introduces the Pleatered bucket and tote bags, however, the showstopper is the Red(V) Knot Me Up that comes with a soft shape and a huge bow.
Red Valentino Pre-FW21 collection
“The overall attitude is less innocent and delicate, more self-conscious and confident,” explains Pierpaolo Piccioli. “Instead of working on a sort of storytelling, we put more focus on the creation of bold, unique pieces, highly designed and injected with a sense of customisation.”
It is clear with this collection that Red Valentino is not planning on continuing to stay in the shadow of her big sister. She knows it’s her time to shine and oh boy is she ready to sparkle!
by Imogen Clark