Valentino Returns to Rome for Fall 2026 Show

PetitePaulina – Valentino decision to host its next fashion show in Rome is more than a change of scenery; it is a symbolic homecoming loaded with emotional and historical meaning. Founded in Rome in 1960 by Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti, the maison has always been intertwined with the city’s cultural rhythm. Returning to Rome for the fall 2026 collection feels like reopening a cherished family album, page by page. The headquarters still stand proudly in Piazza Mignanelli, acting as a quiet witness to decades of couture history. By stepping away from Paris for one season, Valentino reconnects with its foundational identity, reminding the fashion world that heritage is not static but living. This move reflects confidence, reverence, and a desire to ground modern creativity in timeless roots.

March 12, 2026 and the Power of Anticipation

Set for March 12, the upcoming Valentino show already carries an air of mystery, with its exact Roman location still undisclosed. This deliberate secrecy builds anticipation while echoing the brand’s refined elegance. Valentino has a long tradition of choosing locations that elevate fashion into cultural experience, and Rome offers endless narrative possibilities. The timing allows the house to command global attention outside the crowded Paris schedule, giving the collection space to breathe and resonate. Anticipation becomes part of the storytelling, inviting audiences to imagine how ancient architecture and contemporary couture might converse. In a fast-paced digital era, this slow reveal feels intentional, reinforcing Valentino’s ability to balance modern relevance with classic restraint.

Alessandro Michele’s Personal Connection to Rome

For creative director Alessandro Michele, Rome is not merely a venue but a personal muse. Born and raised in the city, Michele’s creative language has long been shaped by Roman history, symbolism, and layered aesthetics. His appointment at Valentino in March 2024 marked a new chapter, and returning to Rome feels like a meaningful statement of intent. Michele previously demonstrated his deep bond with the city when he staged Gucci’s cruise 2020 show at the Capitoline Museums. At Valentino, this Roman chapter becomes a heartfelt tribute to origins both his own and the maison’s. The fall 2026 show promises a collection where personal memory, cultural heritage, and couture craftsmanship intersect seamlessly.

Rome’s Legacy in Valentino’s Runway History

Rome has consistently served as a powerful stage for Valentino’s most memorable moments. From the fall 2015 couture show at Piazza Mignanelli to the fall 2022 haute couture presentation on the Spanish Steps, the city has amplified the brand’s narrative strength. Even during the pandemic, Valentino adapted by hosting its fall 2020 couture show at Cinecittà studios, blending fashion with cinematic storytelling. These Roman shows were never just events; they were cultural statements. Each location added emotional depth, transforming garments into living art. The decision to return once again reinforces Rome as a creative anchor, a place where Valentino’s past achievements inform its future vision.

Honoring Heritage While Looking Beyond Paris

A brief statement from the house described the Roman show as Alessandro Michele’s homage to Valentino’s enduring heritage, while confirming a return to Paris afterward. This balance is crucial. Paris remains central to Valentino’s global presence, yet Rome offers something Paris cannot replicate: origin. By temporarily decamping, Valentino signals that honoring heritage does not mean abandoning modernity. Instead, it enriches it. The brand positions itself as both globally fluent and deeply rooted, capable of moving between fashion capitals without losing identity. This strategic flexibility strengthens Valentino’s narrative, appealing to audiences who value authenticity as much as innovation.

Leadership Changes and a New Strategic Chapter

Valentino’s return to Rome coincides with significant internal evolution. Under CEO Riccardo Bellini, who joined in September, the brand is reshaping its leadership structure with strategic precision. The recent promotion of Laurent Bergamo to deputy CEO and the appointment of Davide Tosi as chief merchandising officer signal renewed focus on growth and cohesion. These changes reflect a brand preparing for its next era, aligning creative vision with operational strength. Hosting the fall 2026 show in Rome becomes part of this broader narrative of renewal. It communicates stability, respect for legacy, and confidence in the future qualities that continue to define Valentino’s place in the global fashion landscape.