The Tamesis
Hello Rome!
Today, Valentino designer Alessandro Michele presented his new Fall 2026 collection in Rome’s 17th-century Palazzo Barberini; this was the first time a fashion show had been held there. The show was the brand’s first ready-to-wear show since Valentino Garavani’s passing earlier this year, so it was a fitting tribute to his incredible legacy.
The front row was star-studded, including the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Colman Domingo, Mihala, Charles Melton and Tyra. Paltrow’s presence at the show was particularly fitting because of her long-standing close friendship with the late Mr. Valentino, who styled her many red carpet looks over the years. Whether she was attending the Met Gala as his guest or walking around in his glamorous gowns at one of her many high-profile Hollywood premieres, their relationship has spanned more than two decades.
Paltrow wore a lime green polka dot dress from Michele’s Valentino Pre-Fall collection. she and Fashion About her dear friend.
Hi Gwyneth. How did it feel to see the new Valentino show in Rome?
Gwyneth Paltrow: I’m feeling both bittersweet and excited. I couldn’t attend Valentino’s funeral [in January]I’m filming some stuff, so I’m looking forward to paying tribute to him and his life’s work. I thought it would be touching and really beautiful. I’m happy to be a part of it.
What was your favorite thing about the late Mr. Valentino?
It’s so inspiring to be with someone who lives the way he does: there’s beauty in everything he touches. His attention to detail—table settings, butlers, things that none of us could afford—lived in a castle outside Paris, surrounded by a moat. When he sat down to lunch he would say, “This is the porcelain of Queen So-and-so from Russia.”
Some people really value history because of how culture and laws were formed, but he values history because of the beauty it creates. It was important to him to know who had owned something before him, even if it was just a piece of silver. [dish] He used to put sweets on the table. I like to have a friend and you go over and sit a little straighter.
But then he became like this naughtyhe smiled happily. He loved Hollywood stories and he loved hearing gossip. He thinks Jennifer Lopez is the most beautiful woman in the world. He would say, “She’s beautiful, but not like Jennifer Lopez.” He would always focus on my appearance—somewhere between a fatherly way and a designer way. Like, “Have you gained three kilograms? Why aren’t you wearing mascara? Would a little lipstick kill you?”
Do you remember the first time you met?
I don’t remember, but I do remember the time we met and we became friends. In 2002 I was doing a play in London. he and [his business partner] Giancarlo [Giammetti] They came and they said, “Why don’t you let us have a dinner for you?” They prepared a wonderful dinner for me, which was so sweet. These are all nobles and His Highness. I was like, “Oh, what kind of world am I getting into?” I was fascinated by him. He carries himself with incredible grace – but he’s really naughty. My favorite combination is noble and playful.
You’ve been to a lot of events together, whether it’s the Met Gala or a premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Do you have any stories about that era?
