Valentino conjurs club-ready couture in Paris

Club Couture was the theme for Valentino’s Spring 2023 haute couture show in Paris last night, and front row faces Kylie Minogue and Anne Hathaway certainly got the memo as they arrived at the Bridge Club on Pont Alexandre III sparkling in disco-ready ‘fits. Minogue rocked a shimmering golden tux with canary yellow blouse while Hathaway opted for a sequinned leopard mini dress with matching tights.

Joining them on the front row were Sam Smith, Charli XCX, Baz Luhrmann, Anna Wintour and Emily in Paris’ Ashley Park, plus K-Pop band BTS’ Suga – whose screaming fans filled the street outside. Doja Cat was also among the A-listers at the show. The musician wore a black cape-style coat featuring slit sleeves, black gloves and a long brunette wig, as well as a diamond crucifix necklace.

The collection itself was an ode to the world of nightclubbing, that referenced club culture icons like Grace Jones and Leigh Bowery. Opening with an oversized white tuxedo thrown over neon coral bow-front hotpants, the show moved through shimmering paillette mini dresses with leather opera gloves, 80s pink polka dot ruffles and graphic stripes, oversized sequin suiting and taffeta balloon-skirted ballgowns.

Organza ruffle collar blouses with sequin pants atop neon tights and groin-grazing red leather mini dress paired with oversized red sunnies felt Dalston Superstore-destined, if not entirely couture.

The post-clubbing coats options were especially strong, with floor-skimming patent red leather, baby pink ostrich feather capes and crystal encrusted options a highlight.

Danish model Mona Touugard wore cool clubkid hotpants shirt and tie, while Kristen McMenamy looked Annabel’s club-ready in a silvery lace midi with fuchsia opera gloves. Model of the moment Adut Akech wore a standout strapless fuchsia ballgown that’s sure to make an Oscars appearance.