Alessandro Michele’s first couture collection for Valentino reimagines the house’s legacy with rich historical references.

When Alessandro Michele was growing up in Rome in the 1970s, one of his favorite pastimes was to rummage through his mother’s closet and to run his hands over the rustling taffeta, glinting sequins, and other adornments of time past.

Assessing Alessandro Michele’s couture debut for Valentino. Plus, Armani Privè and Chanel keep things moving and Gaurav Gupta surprises.

Citing a fascination with lists, the Italian designer revealed the myriad inspirations in each of the 48 unique ensembles.

For Alessandro Michele, who on Wednesday joined the most rarefied ranks of his profession with his debut made-to-measure collection for Valentino, it was both dazzling and a little bit dizzying. Demi Moore Suits Up With Exaggerated Hips and Shoulders at Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture Show in Paris

PARIS — Alessandro Michele’s Valentino couture debut was the most anticipated ticket of Paris Couture Week, and the designer didn't disappoint with a lavish spectacle at the Palais Brongniart, a fittingly historic backdrop for his past-meets-present storytelling.

Just a few days before Alessandro Michele’s inaugural Valentino couture show, the designer welcomed Vogue into his Paris atelier.

Brands including Dior, Chanel and Armani Privé showcased their new collections at a high-profile Haute Couture Week in Paris, with their shows attracting a host of global celebrities. Chanel's show was unsurprisingly star-studded, with Dua Lipa, Lily-Rose Depp and Kylie Jenner dressed in signature styles from the fashion house's archives.

Once the show got underway, a kind of digital ticker tape ran across the backdrop streaming even more words and proper names. Knowing that Michele is mad for Walter Benjamin, author of Arcades Project,

As Kering focuses on its core luxury brands — including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta — the company is handing off some of its landlord duties to an American expert. Simon Property Group bought 100 percent of Kering’s The Mall Luxury Outlets,

With fashion’s trickiest item back in vogue, here are the rules for pulling it off – without tipping into ‘dad in midlife crisis’ territory