Modern heroine dressing by REDValentino

Inspired by the bold attitudes of historic female visionaries such as British political activist Emmeline Pankhurst and botanist Mary Delany, REDValentino’s pre-fall collection strikes the right balance between polished and provocation, strict and soft. Building on the Valentino legacy, creative mentor Pierpaolo Piccioli has nurtured the spirit of the fashion house to create a fantasy world that women of all ages can dream about living in, even if just in one dress, for one night.

Craftmanship and storytelling remain at the heart of everything REDValentino does. As the little sister brand of the main-line collection, this season aligns REDValentino’s familiar delicate softness with an unexpected strength, offering new, grown-up sophistication to the label’s signature look. The collection features an array of high-neck blouses and demure dresses that feel incredibly modern, while checkered outerwear lends each a look a sense of authority.

This season, the fashion house has explored the refined luxury of English heritage, offering up a legacy of fabrics – think tweed, herringbone, plaid, check and chunky wool – to mix and match. The romanticism of tulle, the richness of classic camel and cream, and the surprising sensuality of a skirt suit feels of the moment, rather than nostalgic. Ethereal white hints at romance in weightless lace and chiffon, but reveals its power in the form of a traditional shirt that has been transformed into a pivotal piece for day-to-night dressing. The collection also celebrates the sensuality of the body, with fitted shift dresses defined at the waist and sweet bow details highlighting the tenderness of the neckline. But the real hero pieces are the little black dresses, which are as seductive and versatile for day as they are for night – romance radiates in every flyaway layer, while subtly hinting at the shape beneath.