Valentino made a striking impression on the red carpet at the 2025 Directors Guild of America Awards held in Los Angeles, showcasing a blend of classic elegance and contemporary flair. With the fashion house under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, the event highlighted how stars are embracing this new era, bringing a fresh perspective to the iconic brand.
### Old Hollywood Meets New Valentino
Among the standout appearances was Elle Fanning, who has quickly become one of Michele’s muses. Her ability to effortlessly transition between dreamy gowns and tailored looks makes her a perfect fit for the Valentino aesthetic. For the DGA Awards, Elle donned a suit inspired by the Pre-Fall 2025 collection, specially crafted for her.
Her styling was a nod to Old Hollywood glamour, featuring sculpted waves in her hair and a silk satin fringe scarf elegantly draped around her neck. This choice of accessories enhanced the vintage vibe of her outfit without veering into costume territory. The overall effect was sophisticated and glamorous, perfectly aligning with Elle’s fashion sensibilities. Styled by Samantha McMillen, her look was a testament to how modern interpretations of classic styles can create a striking visual narrative on the red carpet.
### A Rare Miss?
Colman Domingo, who has been making waves in the menswear scene, presented a Valentino Spring 2025 Pavillon Des Folies ensemble that didn’t quite resonate as strongly. Known for his bold fashion choices, Domingo’s embroidered vest, which was intended to be a statement piece, fell flat in execution. Instead of exuding the usual charisma that he brings to the red carpet, the look gave off an unintended vibe reminiscent of a bellhop at a luxury resort in the Far East.
While the Valentino Garavani accessories he paired with the outfit were on point, the absence of the lace gloves from the runway was a relief. However, even without them, the overall impact of his look was underwhelming, especially considering his recent fashion successes. Styled by Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald, this appearance felt like a missed opportunity for Domingo, who typically commands attention with his sartorial choices.
### Groundhog Day
Maude Apatow’s choice of a tiered tulle lace embellished dress from Valentino’s Spring 2025 Pavillon Des Folies collection sparked a sense of déjà vu. The design, while undeniably beautiful, felt all too familiar, echoing previous Valentino looks that have graced red carpets in recent years. This repetition raised questions about the brand’s creative direction under Michele, as it seemed to tread the same ground without introducing new elements.
The dress, adorned with delicate embellishments, was styled with Valentino Garavani accessories, but the overall effect was reminiscent of past collections. While the aesthetic remains appealing, the lack of innovation left some fashion enthusiasts yearning for a fresh take. The sentiment echoed the feeling of “Groundhog Day,” where the same enchanting designs are revisited without significant evolution.
As Valentino continues to navigate this new chapter under Alessandro Michele, the red carpet at the DGA Awards served as a canvas for both triumphs and missteps. The event highlighted the delicate balance between honoring the brand’s storied legacy and pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion. With stars like Elle Fanning leading the charge, the future of Valentino remains a captivating narrative in the world of high fashion.
