Valentino has unveiled the third installment of its Vintage project, expanding the network of vintage retailers that participate in the initiative. The move continues the house’s effort to bridge heritage pieces with contemporary wardrobes, inviting shoppers to rediscover the brand through carefully curated, pre-owned items. This phase signals a broader commitment to sustainability and circular fashion, while inviting collectors and new fans alike to engage with Valentino’s archive in a fresh, modern way.
The Vintage project first launched in October 2021, inviting ex-owners of Valentino pieces to release them back into circulation. In exchange, participants received credits redeemable toward Valentino’s latest collections, a program designed to streamline the journey of a garment from past season to current desirability. The second phase, initiated last year, broadened the footprint by partnering with four second-hand stores across major fashion capitals: Milan, New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo. This third phase has added a growing roster of partners, including Madame Pauline in Milan, The Vintage Dress in Tokyo and New York Vintage in New York. The expansion continues with The Plaisir Palace in Paris, Rellik in London, and Recess in Los Angeles, and it reaches further with The Expanded Vintage Store network and the Janemarch Maison in Seoul. These alliances aim to create a seamless, globe-spanning ecosystem for Valentino’s vintage merchandise while preserving the brand’s sartorial heritage for new generations of shoppers. (Valentino official communications)
In addition to retailer partnerships, Valentino has teamed up with 1 Granary, a London-based design education platform that unites students from more than 30 fashion schools. Under this collaboration, Valentino plans to contribute five vintage pieces to each participating school as a learning resource and source of inspiration. The schools receiving items include ED in Milan, Coconogacco in Tokyo, Parsons School of Design in New York, the French Fashion Institute in Paris, Central Saint Martins in London, the College of Art and Design Otis in Los Angeles, and ESMOD in Seoul. This initiative marks a tangible effort to foster education, creativity, and a hands-on link between fashion brands and the next wave of designers. (Valentino press materials)
Previously noted was the broader interest in cross-cultural fashion collaborations, with industry rumors that the Squid Game director would design a Louis Vuitton show in Seoul. While that report relates to a separate project, it underscores the ongoing global reach and cross-pollination that major houses aim to achieve in the current fashion landscape. (Industry briefings)