Kravitz & styles: a decade of runway royalty – valentino archives unearth street style secrets
Alessandro Michele, fresh from a private tour with Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles at Maison Valentino’s Rome headquarters in 2025, has unearthed a fascinating snapshot of street style from a decade prior. The image, captured by Phil Oh, reveals a vibrant, unapologetically individualistic Fashion landscape – a stark contrast to the current, often hyper-curated aesthetic.
2016: A rebellion of individuality
That July, Zoë Kravitz dominated the scene in a breathtaking tulle Valentino confection, a clear nod to the ballerina aesthetic. But the year wasn’t just about one star; Bella Hadid was the model of the moment, gracing the runways of Atelier Versace, Christian Dior, Givenchy, and Fendi – a testament to her burgeoning influence.
Front row forever
Yet, certain elements endured. Natalia Vodianova, Lucinda Chambers, and Christine Centenera – names synonymous with front-row presence – continued to command attention, their effortlessly chic ensembles reflecting a timeless understanding of style. Their continued presence is a quiet, powerful assertion of enduring taste.
Flashback to couture
Scrolling through the archives, the fall 2016 couture shows burst to life. Bella Hadid, painted a striking crimson by Pat McGrath, sported a denim jacket emblazoned with “Hadid” – a defiant statement of personal branding. Christine Centenera, then Vogue Australia’s Fashion director, was already shaping trends, a glimpse of her future editorial prowess.
Beyond the runway
Teddy Quinlivan’s ascent to street-style superstardom was swift, marked by adventurous pieces from Maison Margiela, Rabanne, and Louis Vuitton. Cindy Bruna, transitioning from the models’ circuit to the big screen (most recently in French Girl), showcased a distinctly sophisticated style. A truly remarkable evolution.
Echoes of the past
Edie Campbell, Mica Argañaraz, and Anna Ewers embodied a rebellious glamour on the streets, while Stella Tennant’s late, delightfully irreverent style, captured in a Chanel ensemble, remains a poignant reminder of a bygone era. Fei Fei Sun’s penchant for bold prints, exemplified by her 2003 Chanel rainbow mohair tweed jacket, continues to inspire. Justin O’Shea’s debut for Brioni, a singular event in couture history, saw Alexa Chung championing the brand.
Rising stars
Italian It girls Giorgia Tordini and Gilda Ambrosio, founders of The Attico, were already establishing themselves as key players on the street style circuit. Catherine McNeil and Binx Walton, stepping away from the runway, offered a refreshing glimpse into their personal style. Hanne Gaby Odiele, a powerful advocate for intersex human rights, radiated confidence after the Atelier Versace show.
Timeless style
Vera Wang, a consistent fixture, remains a vision in black. Nadège Vanhée, early in her Hermès tenure, sported a muted orange hue, a subtle nod to the brand’s signature palette. Giovanna Engelbert and Laure Hériard-Dubreuil, ever stylish, continued to grace the couture circuit. Jeanne Damas and Veronika Heilbrunner, each in Valentino, epitomized enduring street style icons.
The future is now
Ultimately, these images aren't just a nostalgic trip; they’re a grounding reminder that style, at its core, is about confidence and self-expression. And sometimes, the most radical statement is simply owning your look.