c.p. company aw26 | metropolis series

Alessandro Michele invites everyone to embrace a proper wobble with his latest ‘Fireflies’ campaign for Valentino. Most people assume that standing upright is the default mode of human existence, yet these images suggest that balance is actually a rather short pause between various states of tumbling. The world often shifts beneath our feet and this creative outing begins exactly at that moment of yielding where we lose our grip on the familiar. As Michele notes, balance is not the natural state of being, but only a fragile interval within the becoming of things. He reminds us that self-sufficiency is a bit of a fib, as we all rely on the outstretched arms of those around us to keep things from ending in a total shambles.

This visual exploration follows the profoundly moving Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris, where the mysterious Michele magic first took hold under flickering lights. Inspired by a 1941 letter from Pasolini, the collection celebrates the sparks of hope that unite people like fireflies against a backdrop of rising darkness. The campaign continues this narrative by displaying how the gloom of our present is actually woven with light swarms of fireflies. The clothing reflects this glimmering hope through a newly found simplicity and immaculate Valentino cuts. Models appear in deep reds and blues that echo the history of the house, while butterfly motifs appear as delicate bows, necklaces and brooches that reference the legacy of Monsieur Valentino.

Willy Vanderperre captures the cast in these intricately designed pieces just as they catch the light, mirroring the insects they were directly inspired by. The styling by Jonathan Kaye brings together polka dots and pleats that feel designed to carry the weight of human connection. Michele states that we need to disarm the eyes and reawaken the gaze to understand our shared destiny. Every body knows the sensation of a stumble and the campaign uses this physical reality to challenge the myth of the independent individual. The video moves beyond the anticipation of a fall and dives straight into the experience itself, showing that elegance remains even when things start to fracture.

True sophistication shows itself in the moments we decide to become a pillar for someone else. The music by Abel Korzeniowski provides a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to this exploration of collective support, proving that the most radical thing one can do is refuse to let a friend hit the deck alone. Caring does not mean preventing the fall, but making it inhabitable, a sentiment that resonates through the final group shots where the cast holds one another up. Michele suggests that no body stands on its own, and by accepting our vulnerability, we find a different posture where every claim to self-sufficiency is exposed for the cultural fiction it truly is.

Discover the campaign here.

photography. courtesy of Willy Vanderperre for Valentino
words. Gennaro Costanzo

February has a habit of demanding our full attention, arriving with a flurry of rose petals and a distinct pressure to find the perfect token of affection. This year, the landscape of love is looking particularly inspired, presenting pieces that possess a narrative of their own. Whether you are treating a long-term partner or indulging in a bit of self-devotion, the season’s launches are a playful mix of high fashion and heritage-rich sentiment. Schön! has rounded up the best pieces to let someone know they are loved, skipping the generic and heading straight for the iconic.

When we selected the products below, we looked at how everyone might celebrate this February – yes, even you singletons. Valentine’s Day does not have to be solely about giving to others; it is the ideal excuse to treat yourself to something that makes you feel spectacular. There is no rule saying you can’t be your own secret admirer, and frankly, buying yourself a diamond or a silk robe is a guaranteed way to ensure you get exactly what you wanted.

Savage x Fenty.

If you find yourself with Love on the Brain, Rihanna has the immediate cure, setting the mood with her latest Savage X Fenty drop, ‘Love So Savage.’ Channelling a modern Aphrodite, the campaign features the icon herself alongside a cast of models draped in Sinful Rose lace and Nite Shade satins. For those looking to add a bit of edge to their February wardrobe, the balconette bras and printed teddies offer a sultry, empowering take on traditional red-and-pink attire designed for every body.

This collection is available in Savage X Fenty retail stores and through select wholesale partners worldwide. Prices range from £22 to £70. Find out more here.

Messika.

Crossing the channel to Paris, Messika has teamed up with the legendary Lapérouse restaurant to create something truly sentimental. Inspired by the 19th-century tradition of women scratching mirrors with their rings to prove a diamond’s worth, Valérie Messika has designed a special My Twin Toi & Moi ring. This pink gold piece features a pear-cut and an emerald-cut diamond facing one another, framed by a vivid halo of rubies. It is a striking nod to the history of the restaurant, where figures like Zola and Rodin once dined, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a gift with a deep sense of narrative.

This exclusive edition is available at Lapérouse and the Messika Saint-Honoré boutique in Paris. Find out more here.

Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. takes a break from the purely sentimental to offer something with a bit more structural integrity. The HardWear collection claims the spotlight this year, moving away from whisper-thin chains in favour of a necklace defined by bold, graduated links that demand to be seen. Modelled by Adria Arjona, the industrial shapes of the matching bracelet and earrings offer a refreshing counterpoint to the season’s usual softness. It is jewellery that feels substantial and resilient, much like a good relationship should. Of course, for those who prefer their romance served traditionally, the iconic Tiffany Setting engagement ring makes an appearance, reminding us why that particular blue box still makes hearts beat a little faster.

These pieces are available at Tiffany & Co. boutiques and online. Find out more here.

Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton enters the fray with a curated edit that feels both playful and elegant. For her, the standout is the LV Sneakerina, a futuristic take on the high-top trainer that balances technical mesh with sleek, curved lines. It pairs perfectly with the season’s matching knits, which offer a soft, monogram-infused warmth for those early February walks. The bag selection leans into the classics with a romantic twist, featuring the Alma BB and the Multipass bag in rich, textured finishes. For him, the focus is on the small details that make a daily impact, such as the Slender wallet and the Pocket Organiser in deep Damier or Monogram canvases. Whether it is a silk monogram shirt or a sturdy Avenue Slingbag, these are pieces designed to last long after the final chocolate has been eaten. 

The Valentine’s Day collection is available at Louis Vuitton boutiques and online. Find out more here.

Montblanc.

Over at Montblanc, the theme is the journey of love, illustrated through a cinematic campaign set on a vintage-inspired train. The highlight here is the Meisterstück Romeo & Juliet collection. The Romeo LeGrand fountain pen comes in a deep teal resin with a thorn motif, while the Juliet Classique is finished in a delicate cream with feather engravings. These pieces, alongside the bronze-toned Iced Sea watches and khaki leather document cases, suggest that the best way to celebrate a partner is to equip them for whatever adventures lie ahead.

The Valentine’s Day gift assortment is available at Montblanc boutiques worldwide and online. Find out more here.

Vivienne Westwood.

Vivienne Westwood takes a sustainable approach to the season with a capsule of 100% recycled solid 9ct gold jewellery. The iconic orb silhouette is refreshed with heart-motif lab-grown diamonds, appearing on delicate pendants, bracelets and stud earrings. It is a quintessentially British blend of punk heritage and modern ethics, providing a lasting love token that skips the predictable Valentine’s clichés.

This special-edition jewellery is available at Vivienne Westwood boutiques globally with prices starting at £410. Find out more here.

Ferragamo.

Ferragamo chose to bet on tactile affection through its iconic Hug Bag series – after all, a hug is still love. Appearing in rich burgundy and tan leathers, these bags feature a wrap-around buckle design that mimics a physical embrace. The collection also introduces silk scarves created with a petal technique, where hundreds of individual floral elements are layered to form intricate prints of the brand’s Florentine home. Whether it is a heart-motif silk tie for men or a printed Mary Jane heel for women, the focus remains on craftsmanship that feels personal and considered.

The Valentine’s Day selection is available in Ferragamo boutiques and online. Find out more here.

Motorola. 

Technology rarely gets a look-in during the season of romance, yet Motorola is making a strong case for digital serenity. In collaboration with Pantone and Swarovski, they have launched a special edition of the Motorola Edge 70 in ‘Cloud Dancer,’ the colour of the year for 2026. It is a sleek, porcelain-white device encrusted with Swarovski crystals, designed to look more like a piece of jewellery than a utility. The collection extends to matching accessories, including crystals that adorn the accompanying headphones and bespoke charms that clip onto the handset. Gifting a phone that prioritises peace and elegance might just be the most modern love letter of all.

This exclusive edition and matching accessories are available through Motorola and select luxury retailers. Find out more here.

Prada.

Prada offers a curated selection that balances archive-inspired silhouettes with a wink of playful charm. The star of the season is the Prada Bonnie, a leather mini handbag available in eight different shades that feels remarkably current in its structured simplicity. You can take the look further with matching Saffiano leather wallets, creating a coordinated aesthetic that feels effortless. For those who enjoy a bit of fantasy, the collection features a range of Saffiano leather keychain charms, including the heart-stopping Cupido and the classic teddy bear, perfect for adding a personal touch to any handle. The men’s edit focuses on edgy functionality, with matching Saffiano leather card holders, Re-Nylon backpacks and hats that carry the house’s signature triangular logo with understated confidence. The Paradigme fragrance also serves as a reliable choice for anyone navigating the pressure of a last-minute purchase.

The Prada gift collection is available at Prada boutiques and online. Find out more at here.

photography. courtesy of Ferragamo, Savage x Fenty, Louis Vuitton, Olivia Haudry (Messika), Montblanc, Motorola, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Vivienne Westwood
words. Gennaro Costanzo

An escape to the Caribbean sun has never looked quite so personal as Tory Burch opens the doors to her private residence in Antigua for the Spring/Summer 2026 campaign. King’s Leap provides a vibrant, sun-drenched backdrop for a weekend spent in the company of Alex Consani, Hejia Li and Awar Odhiang. 

Captured through the intimate lens of Jamie Hawkesworth, the collection brings together the structure of American sportswear with delicate romantic touches and hand-finished craft. Hawkesworth uses the natural light of the Antiguan coast to showcase the rich textures and colours of the new garments. As always, Consani brings her characteristic high energy to the island setting, pairing relaxed silhouettes with a modern edge that feels fresh for the season. 

The styling by Brian Molloy highlights a balance between practical pieces and intricate details, such as the stars of the campaign: the hand-stitched Romy bucket bag and the new Charlie shoulder bag. The Romy, available in rich tones such as Caramel and Toucan Red, features intricate pick-stitching that highlights the quality of the material, while the Charlie offers a streamlined design for a fresh take on everyday carryalls.

The clothing itself presents a detailed exploration of texture and proportion, starting with fluid, pleated poplin dresses in crisp white and printed silk shirt-dresses that provide sophisticated options for coastal afternoons. These dresses often feature nipped waists and easy fits that transition seamlessly from a seaside lunch to a formal evening.

Knitwear and tops play a central role in the weekend wardrobe, particularly the contrast-trim short-sleeve sweaters. Available in deep shades like Emerald and Dark Merlot, these lightweight viscose-blend pieces are finished with delicate lining at the neckline and cuffs. The collection also leans into a concept of precision and imperfection, seen in the crushed lamé shirts and pilled cashmere sweaters that have tiny micro-beads woven directly into the fabric. Some cardigans even feature an heirloom-style bird motif, while sheer polos appear to be mended with hand-stitched seed beads. These small, thoughtful details add a layer of sentimentality to the more practical elements of the range.

Footwear gets an upgrade with the inclusion of the iconic Miller sandal, a staple that continues to define the aesthetic of the house. This seasonal outing presents a wardrobe designed for movement and life under the sun, focusing on pieces that work as well on the beach as they do in a more formal setting.

Discover the Spring/Summer 2026 collection here.

photography. courtesy of Jamie Hawkesworth
words. Gennaro Costanzo