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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Thomas Adamson

Valentino opens post-Garavani couture with somber note, then high drama

France Fashion Valentino S/S 26 Photo Call - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Valentino’s first couture show since house founder Valentino Garavani’s funeral in Rome opened under a somber shadow — then snapped it off with a jolt of pure theater.

VIP guests including Sir Elton John were guided through near-darkness to their “seats”: simple stools set against circular pods, each punctured by a small kinky-feeling viewing window.

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