Gigi Hadid Channels Renaissance Royalty in Valentino Haute Couture at Vogue World Milano 2026

Published: September 23, 2026 Last Updated 15 minutes ago by Evelyn Adenike

Supermodel Gigi Hadid opened Vogue World: Milano 2026, transforming the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II into a showcase for haute couture.

On September 22, 2026, at the start of Milan Fashion Week’s fifth Vogue World edition, Hadid walked the runway in a Valentino gown inspired by Renaissance style.

The look, from Alessandro Michele’s spring 2025 haute couture collection for Valentino, reinforced Hadid’s prominence in fashion and highlighted exceptional Italian craftsmanship.

Hadid’s gown was among Alessandro Michele’s first couture designs since becoming creative director at Valentino.

First unveiled in Paris in January 2025, the design reflects Michele’s signature layered, reference-rich aesthetic. In the show notes, the designer described his approach: “It’s as if each dress evokes, by association, a multitude of interconnected worlds: a feverish and uninterrupted layering of references that makes its uniqueness burst forth.”

Crafted from recycled Venetian quilts, the dress required 1,680 hours of handwork. Its silhouette featured voluminous puff sleeves and a full skirt, presenting a modern interpretation of traditional patchwork.

An ivory organza ruffled collar and matching cuffs framed the neckline, contrasting with the gown’s textured body. Hadid completed the look with Valentino shoes and Damiani earrings, enhancing the ensemble’s refined presence.

Observers noted the gown’s gold brocade elements and period-inspired design, which aligned with Vogue World Milano’s focus on Italian Renaissance heritage and craftsmanship.

In an era of artificial intelligence and digital production, the evening honoured human creativity and the unique skill of Italian ateliers, which produce about half of the world’s luxury apparel, footwear, and leather goods.

Held in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Vogue World: Milano brought together models and Italy’s fashion leaders. Major houses such as Prada, Armani, Versace, Ferragamo, and Gucci presented unique pieces inspired by the event’s theme of craftsmanship and ingenuity.

Guests included Donatella Versace, Miuccia Prada, Domenico Dolce, Stefano Gabbana, and creative directors Demna at Gucci, Pierpaolo Piccioli at Balenciaga, and Michele at Valentino.

The event combined runway presentations with performances by Alicia Keys and Italian ballet star Roberto Bolle. It also raised funds for the Quarto Oggiaro Library in northwestern Milan, highlighting fashion’s potential for community impact.

Hadid’s opening set the tone for the event, followed by appearances from Vittoria Ceretti in an archival Pierpaolo Piccioli-era Valentino piece, as well as Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, and Mariacarla Boscono.

Hadid has been a consistent presence at Vogue World events. She closed the 2024 Paris edition in a custom Balmain gown by Olivier Rousteing, demonstrating her influence across the series, which has travelled from New York and London to Paris, Los Angeles, and Milan.

Her Milan appearance was notable, as she represented Italian artistry through Michele’s distinctive, narrative-driven approach.

The dress’s use of recycled materials added significance, blending historical references with contemporary values.

Under Michele’s direction, traditional patchwork techniques became a source of innovation, demonstrating that couture continues to connect past and present.

During Milan Fashion Week, Hadid’s appearance was more than a visual highlight. It underscored the enduring value of handcrafted design, her influence as a fashion icon, and Vogue World’s role in celebrating creativity within historic settings.

Photo: Getty Images