If my love of Valentino this spring/summer season wasn’t already glaringly obvious from my review of the new Valentino Garavani Roman Stud Top Handle Bag, then it will be after you read this. (FYI – You should peruse that review now if you haven’t already!)  

Designing a collection which is beloved by the fashion press, the assemblage of picky fashion buyers and the notoriously hard to please fashion crowd is hard to do. But doing so against the backdrop of a worldwide pandemic when the industry is facing unprecedented challenges is an almost impossible feat. Designing pieces which are both fabulous and that people can actually envision themselves wearing has been one of the most tricky things for designers to accomplish this past year. But Pierpaolo Piccioli managed it for Valentino with his spring/summer 2021 collection.

Closing Milan Fashion Week way back in September of last year, Piccioli debuted clean cut spring/summer staples and wearable styles featuring Valentino’s classic florals and lace. The famous Valentino Garavani Rockstud returned in the form of bags and shoes. First seen 10 years ago in the house’s spring/summer 2011 collection, the studs appeared for the new decade in an enlarged version and with a new name – the Roman Stud. Somewhat straying from its haute couture roots, Valentino debuted a collaboration with denim jean producer Levi’s.

Piccioli is known for bringing elements of couture to his ready-to-wear collections. But the genius of his most recent spring/summer offering for Valentino lies in the wearability of his new designs.

Sporting the elegance of a square neckline, this jumpsuit in the perfect summer shade of green is one of my favourite pieces from Piccioli’s collection. Its relaxed fit makes it ultra versatile. The colour is an almost perfect match for my new Bottega Veneta The Point Bag. However, wearing this jumpsuit with my new Valentino Garavani Roman Stud Top Handle Bag is my favourite pairing so far this season.

An oversized shirt can do you no wrong during any season of the year. But this neon pink silk version in particular perfectly captures this season’s love of bold colours. Featuring billowing sleeves and pockets (!!!), the design has a relaxed fit. It’s oversized and light but the texture almost makes it look like an outwear jacket. This makes it perfect for cool summer evenings when you’re getting chilly but an actual jacket would spoil the look!

An exemplary example of Piccioli’s talent for incorporating Valentino’s signature couture components into ready-to-wear, this piece fuses delicate lace detailing with the functionality of a lightweight jacket. Elegant and wearable, it’s a must-have on my spring/summer shopping list.

These shorts are actually a skort (a shorts and skirt hybrid). High-waisted and made to look like an A-line mini skirt upon first glance, they were worn on the runway with the above jacket, giving off major cool girl summer vibes. They pair perfectly with a button up shirt so when you’re working this summer you may look hot and bothered but at least you’ll look chic.

Of all the favourites on this list, I’m most excited about these studded pointed-toe gems. For the past decade studs have become almost synonymous with Valentino itself so it’s no surprise that Piccioli is bringing this signature detail back for spring/summer 2021, but with a twist! Enlarged pyramid-shaped studs adorn these chic backless flats making them both a standout accessory and oh so comfortable. While it’s true that heeled versions of Valentino Garavani’s studded shoes have been the most sought-after throughout the 10 years since the design’s release, these studded shoes are making a return in flats only this season. Perhaps this is because Piccioli knew we would all want to revel in the joy of these studded treasures without having to face walking in heels post-lockdown.

Want to feel like Superwoman? You need shop no further than Valentino’s short cape dress in Cady Georgette silk. The design elegantly flounces out at the bottom and, as you can imagine, it couldn’t be more comfortable. When there’s a summer breeze you’ll feel like you’re flying. It will pair great with the aforementioned Valentino Garavani Roman Stud flats (or actual heels if you’re feeling brave).

Made from Cady Georgette silk with side ruching, this dress is set to be my go-to smart casual look for summer. I love the neckline and can’t wait to don it with my favourite accessories from this collection.

What’s a selection of Valentino spring/summer favourites without florals? Incomplete! A Valentino floral printed dress is as essential to this season as the sun itself. This design incorporates several colourways from the collection to sublime effect.

What do you think of Valentino’s spring/summer offering this year? Which pieces are you scrambling to get your hands on?