Earlier this summer, Valentino sent its new Atelier handbag to a bunch of celebrities stuck at home under lockdown. The idea was that, with the help of a loved one, they would photograph themselves wearing it along with pieces from the fall 2020 collection as part of the brand’s new “Empathy” campaign. Gwyneth Paltrow, for example, enlisted the help of her husband, Brad Falchuk, who photographed her lying down and clutching the bag from a sexy, bird’s-eye-view angle. Frances McDormand decided to get into her outdoor shower with a big feathery hat on. Janet Mock went deep into her garden. Naomi Campbell posed by her pool. And Laura Dern’s dog made an appearance as well. The resulting images were playful and romantic, much like the bag itself, which is a sleek new take on a Valentino classic. Made of soft leather, its deep-red petals seem almost wet, and its texture beckons you to touch it. It’s the perfect bag for plant lovers — and for lovers in general.
Valentino Garavani Atelier 03 Rose Edition, $2,995 at Valentino boutiques.
