Officially available for pre-order in the U.S. today on the Valentino Beauty site, the opulent multi-piece collection draws inspiration from Valentino's storied 61-year history, imbuing each luxe piece with the "uniqueness, extravaganza, and experimentation" that defines its haute couture collections.

But don't let those couture connotations fool you. Rest assured, there's nothing stuffy, exclusive, or conventional about this cosmetic lineup.

Designed under the discerning eye of Pierpaolo Piccioli, Maison Valentino's Creative Director, and developed in partnership with L'Oreal Paris, each of the versatile, multi-finish products is designed to "speak to the freedom of expression and individuality that lies at the core of the brand," states the press release. As such, you can expect a wide array of products and shades that work across all genders, ages, and cultures, each one intended to evoke freedom, creativity, and the signature modern glamour that Valentino does oh so well.

The Inspiration Behind Valentino Beauty

To celebrate this expressive and inclusive initiative, Piccioli even ventured behind the camera, shooting 16 models from varied backgrounds, all united by the Rosso Valentino lipstick, forming what he describes as "a Valentino chorus."

 

Many people debate what came first: the desire for fresh looks at an alarming rate or the industry’s top players convincing us that we’re behind trends as soon as we see them being worn. It’s hard to say, but there is no doubt that we thirst for the “next best thing” every day of our consumer-driven lives.

“I try as much as possible to give you a great basic product

and what comes out, I feel, is really amazing.”

These brands earn millions of dollars while selling pieces cheaply because of the sheer number of items they sell, no matter the cost or markup. And garment workers are undoubtedly being paid well below the minimum wage. In the documentary "The True Cost," author and journalist Lucy Siegle summed it up perfectly: ”Fast fashion isn’t free. Someone, somewhere is paying.”