Haute couture is a rarified form of fashion, and only a few dozen houses in the world produce the astronomically priced, made-to-measure, shown-in-Paris confections. Valentino is one of them.
Now, the Italian luxury label is bringing that artisanal approach — admired by A-list fans such as Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Florence Pugh and Ashley Park — to its new flagship store at 654 Madison Ave.
The three-story boutique at 60th Street is part clothing, accessories and fragrance showcase; part art gallery; and part VIP lounge.
The dramatic space features Roman-inspired steel columns, geometric travertine, Botticino and Nero Marquina marble floors, handmade door handles by ceramicist Massimiliano Pipolo, and plenty of furniture and fixtures in rich Valentino Red — a shade so iconic it’s recognized by Pantone.
Meanwhile, two apartment-like private areas on the second floor are reserved or special clients.
The store carries women’s and men’s ready-to-wear collections, including new Rose-Rouche 1959 pieces from the spring 2024 looks designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli. Delicate rose appliqués, crafted petal by petal, adorn each dress, evening cape, sweater and sandal.
Also in store: eyewear, signature fragrances, Valentino Garavani bags and shoes.
In particular, logo lovers will fall for the new VLogo Moon calfskin loafers and hobo bag, with their gold-tone “V” emblems.
As part of its commitment to cross-cultural dialogue, Valentino has partnered with the Magazzino Italian Art museum, based in Cold Spring, NY, on a series of exhibits featuring works by renowned Italian artists.
The late Mario Schifano, a handsome ’60s icon whose “Tempo Moderno” painting went for $2.5 million at Sotheby’s last year, is the subject of the first.
Five of his large-scale paintings are displayed on the mezzanine level.
The store will also host art talks with experts in the coming months.
With this colorful store opening, Valentino has redefined painting the town red.
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