LOOSE STUDS: Valentino’s runway nightmare

By Jacob Solomon

Towards the close of the 2022 Paris fashion week, Valentino hit the stage to unveil its spring 2023 collection.  The highly anticipated collection, entitled “Unboxing,” was an homage to thinking outside the box, to creative thinking.  One can confirm that the garments definitely fit the theme. Heavily monogrammed dresses and faces (yes, I said faces), clean neutral colors, and unconventionally shaped and sized gowns were paraded down the monochrome set. 

The show started out strong with the models strutting down the aisles, proudly displaying the carefully crafted outfits designed to redefine the brand and how people think of Spring.  It is interesting to note, too, that most of the models walking this show were unknown and new to the industry, a good mark for Valentino.  Although the event kicked off to a good start, it was not too long before the show began to fumble… literally.  Numerous models walked out wearing ill-fitting high heels causing them to stumble over themselves.  The height of the heels themselves did not seem to be the issue as Valentino has debuted much taller stilettos in years past, but the fit of the heels  seemed to be the most prominent issue.  Some models walked crookedly down the aisles to the show’s completion, while others, rather empowering, removed their shoes and finished off strong.  Additionally, two models were videoed falling down the stairs at the end of the catwalk. 

But it was not only the shoe issue that botched the show.  The layout of the runway was overly complicated, with models seemingly confused in the midst of their walk as the direction of where to go next was unclear.  

Numerous Tiktokers responded to footage of the show calling Valentino out for purposely sabotaging the models as a PR stunt -- a ridiculous claim if you ask me.  Valentino was quick to issue a response, stating that (of course) they did not intentionally provide models with ill-fitting footwear to use the ensuing backlash as a marketing opportunity.  Rather they asked the models beforehand if their footwear was comfortable and offered them the opportunity to change it, and some of the models chose to walk in the admittedly difficult heels.  They also said that transparent safety straps were added for additional support and stability, but, obviously, this was to no great avail.

Some critics went as far as to blame the falls on the new models’ inexperience, but I do not think that claim holds water.  From the videos circulating online, one can clearly see that the shoes had issues, regardless of their specifications, and caused the models to fumble.  

Valentino has a reputation of perfection, and this fashion show was certainly not up to par.  However, I, along with the House itself, congratulate the models for all finishing the show despite the inherent difficulties.  Finishing the show with one shoe, or even no shoes at all, showed the models’ dedication to fashion, the brand, and Paris fashion week.  Perhaps this show was a flop, but the fashion itself was not.  I think it is safe to say that we are all excited to see what Valentino will bring to the table next at its next fashion show.