When Alessandro Michele took over Valentino’s helm, change was inevitable. The beloved designer wasted no time, immediately bringing his fun, maximalist appeal and quirky design aesthetic to Valentino. In the current fashion climate, chock-full of borderline boring minimalism and quiet luxury, Michele’s Valentino stands out.
While Michele has undoubtedly put his own spin on the storied Italian label, he has also taken the brand back to its maximalist roots, telling Vogue following his resort debut, “Valentino was never a minimalist, rather a maximalist, even in the ’70s when he was at his most streamlined.”
The result has been a boho chic take on classic Valentino, and few bags from Michele’s debut fit this free-spirited, hippie-chic allure quite like the Valentino Garavani Nellcôte bag. This season, the Maison’s newest icon is celebrated in brand new campaign images creative directed by Alessandro Michele and lensed by Julie Greve that capture the distinct charm of the Nellcôte bag.
Hippie Chic, the Valentino Way
Making its debut as part of the Spring 2025 “Avant Les Débuts” collection, the Nellcôte was inspired by Valentino in its maximalist days, evocative of the free-spirited ease that ruled during the late ’60s and early ’70s. The bag was Michele’s first big hit for the brand and it continues to play a central role within the Maison.
Continuously evolving to include other sizes, shapes, and novelty iterations, the new campaign pays homage to the original—the soft suede, fringed crossbody that started it all. Images capture a sense of spontaneity inspired by the notoriously laid-back, hippie-filled concerts of music’s past.
Showcased amongst models depicting a group of friends hanging out enjoying the moment, radiating the laid-back energy that comes with the summer season, is the Nellcôte bag—a symbolic ode to Valentino’s past and present.
Discover more below and shop the entire Nellcôte family via Valentino.
That bag looks like a copy cat of the Isabel Marant Oskan bag line. Nothing innovative whatsoever!
Yes nothing special and no one wants to wear suede in the summer
I had to look up the oskan. there’s currently 42 of those on the marant website, none of which look anything like this valentino bag. either way, I don’t like this bag 😅 you’re right about it not feeling innovative.
I like the 60’s vibe and the edginess of this bag!
Alessandro Michele’s vision for Valentino is a breath of fresh air—vibrant, bold, and unapologetically expressive. The Nellcôte campaign perfectly captures that carefree, boho-chic spirit that fashion has been missing. A stunning revival of Valentino’s true essence!
This version of Valentino is a bit too much like Gucci under AM. It’s not working for me.