There is an apocryphal Japanese proverb that claims we all have three faces. The first, we show to the world; the second, we show only to our loved ones; and the third is reserved for when we’re alone—the latter, allegedly, being the truest reflection of who we are. In Paris earlier this year, Valentino’s Alessandro Michele took a sledgehammer to this idea. Valentino’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection, titled Le Méta-Théâtre Des Intimités, was a bold exploration of intimacy, identity, and maximalism, all while dispelling the notion of one true self.

The collection was presented in a dystopian facsimile of a public bathroom, with models surrounded by mirrors, red tiling, and stark white lighting. Michele’s philosophical inspiration was wide-ranging, with his show notes drawing from the writings of Foucault and Arendt and pondering the nature of identity. The distorted bathroom setting, which he described as Lynchian, turned a mirror towards spectators. It asked them to contemplate what identity means when performance never stops, even in their most intimate moments.

The pieces translated Michele’s characteristic maximalist flair through Valentino’s house signatures—and of these, there is no shortage to pull from and play around with. Frills and ruffles abounded on voluminous 1980s silhouettes, and structured outerwear was given ladylike fur trims. Lace was a mainstay, seen on brightly coloured tights and dainty, high-necked corsets, which were left unbuttoned around satin lingerie. Valentino’s archive is a hefty tome rich with history, and Michele makes it buzz with modernity. 

In September, Valentino recreated the surreal Méta-Théâtre setting on Singapore’s Keppel Road, at a pop-up event which was bathed in red light and graced by the city’s style set. In the few months since the collection’s debut, the pieces have been cropping up off the runway, spotted in celebrity paparazzi shots and influencers’ Instagram feeds. In the light of day, the surrealist shape of the collection has begun to solidify, crystallising into wearable pieces that fit into people’s lives—and there are a few standout stars. 

The Panthea bag, a creation of supple Nappa leather in a chevron pattern, has emerged as a celebrity favourite. In its short tenure—the bag only hit shelves last month—the Panthea has already cemented its status as an it-girl style staple. The rectangular, boho-chic purse was seen on the likes of Rihanna, Bella Hadid, Jenna Ortega, and on the arm of Anne Hathaway as she filmed scenes for the upcoming The Devil Wears Prada sequel. It’s easy to see how the piece’s blend of versatility and distinctive detailing lends it to being a wardrobe staple. The Panthea pumps offer a similar mix of fine detailing and a structured silhouette—the goatskin pumps are adorned with a pleated pattern and an enamelled feline head motif, adding a playful touch. 

Eagle-eyed sneakerheads would also have spotted a familiar silhouette on the models walking the Valentino runway. The Valentino Garavani and Vans collaboration formed a distinct part of many of the looks seen in Le Méta-Théatre Des Intimités, with the classic Vans Authentic style given a whimsical Valentino makeover. A collaboration between the storied Italian house and California skate brand seems unexpected on the surface, but a deeper look makes you wonder just why it took this long. The shoes are a bold expression of authenticity; Vans DNA is encoded into their tough canvas and vulcanised rubber soles, while the colourways include Valentino motifs like the mischievous La Chat de la Maison. 

These are all accessories designed to slip into the routines of a cosmopolitan life while making a distinct statement. Le Méta-Théâtre des Intimités is a surrealist exploration of identity and performance—but in tackling the myth of authenticity, Valentino and Michele have uncovered something solid, a lasting testament to taste and style.

PHOTOGRAPHER SHERMAN SEE-THO
CREATIVE DIRECTION AND STYLING KELLY HSU
HAIR AND MAKEUP KAT ZHANG / THE SUBURBS STUDIO USING JSM BEAUTY AND GOLDWELL
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT AMIRUL FAZAILE AND SYED ABDULLA
MAKEUP ASSISTANT SVETA KLYN / SUBURBS STUDIO
MODEL PHOEBE SONG / MANNEQUIN STUDIO

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The post Mirror Image: Valentino’s Le Méta-Théâtre Des Intimités Collection Is A Maximalist Dream appeared first on Grazia Singapore.