Valentino Qixi Festival 2026 introduces a poetic campaign that explores love, anticipation and meaningful connections. Conceived by Creative Director Alessandro Michele and photographed by visual artist Wing Shya, the campaign captures the emotional spirit of Qixi, China’s traditional festival dedicated to love.
Inspired by an ancient legend of two lovers who reunite only once a year, Qixi represents longing, devotion and reunion. Through this campaign, Valentino transforms these emotions into a visual narrative filled with quiet encounters and delicate moments.
The campaign features Friend of the House Lars Huang alongside models Yidan Huang and Zen Yue. Together, they present looks from the Valentino Pre-Fall 2026 collection, bringing fashion and storytelling into a shared visual journey.
A Cinematic Vision Of Love And Possibility
Wing Shya brings his distinctive visual language to Valentino Qixi Festival 2026. Known for his work as a photographer and visual artist, he creates imagery with a sense of intimacy, nostalgia and emotion. His long-standing collaboration with filmmaker Wong Kar-wai has also shaped his recognisable cinematic style.
Set inside an atmospheric bookstore, the campaign follows three protagonists through quiet passages, hidden corners and rows of bookshelves. Meanwhile, each scene reveals fleeting interactions that invite viewers to interpret their own stories.
Beyond its physical setting, the bookstore represents a space where memories, stories and unexpected encounters meet. Through this symbolic environment, Valentino explores how small moments can create lasting impressions.
The Beauty Of What Remains Unspoken
Rather than portraying love through grand gestures, Valentino focuses on the emotions found in waiting and possibility.
A curtain appears throughout the campaign as a symbol of transition. It separates what remains hidden from what becomes visible. As the characters exchange glances and cross paths, the story builds a sense of connection without revealing everything.
Additionally, Wing Shya uses soft lighting, gentle focus and dreamlike textures to create a balance between reality and imagination. These visual elements turn ordinary gestures into meaningful fragments of a larger story.
Valentino Pre-Fall 2026: Fashion As A Form Of Expression
The campaign highlights key pieces from the Valentino Pre-Fall 2026 collection. These include the Valentino Garavani Panthea and Valentino Garavani DeVain bags, paired with footwear from the Valentino Garavani Rockstud family.
Through these creations, Valentino continues to showcase its approach to modern elegance. Each piece reflects the Maison’s dedication to craftsmanship, individuality and expressive design.
Furthermore, fashion becomes part of the campaign’s emotional narrative. The silhouettes and accessories complement the atmosphere of romance, curiosity and self-expression created by Alessandro Michele.
Valentino’s Celebration Of Emotional Beauty
For Qixi 2026, Valentino celebrates the unseen connections that bring people together. The campaign looks beyond romance itself and explores the emotions surrounding it — anticipation, discovery and remembrance.
Founded in Rome in 1960 by Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti, Maison Valentino continues to represent Italian couture excellence through creativity, craftsmanship and individuality. Today, Creative Director Alessandro Michele continues to shape the Maison’s vision through collections that embrace emotional beauty and personal expression.
With Valentino Qixi Festival 2026, the Maison presents a thoughtful reflection on love. It celebrates not only moments of reunion, but also the quiet connections that remain long after an encounter.
