Maison Valentino presents the Specula Mundi Haute Couture book by Mark Borthwick in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, April 28th, 2026 – Maison Valentino hosted an exclusive cocktail on Tuesday evening at the Marciano Art Foundation to celebrate the release of Specula Mundi by Mark Borthwick – the new Haute Couture book whose visual narrative reinterprets the eponymous collection by Creative Director Alessandro Michele.
The event unfolded in the presence of Creative Director Alessandro Michele and CEO Riccardo Bellini, alongside a distinguished group of guests, who gathered within the intimate setting of the venue. For the occasion, a Kaiserpanorama installation recreated the original scenography of the Specula Mundi show presented in Paris last January, inviting guests into an immersive experience, where a continuous visual sequence brought the book’s imagery to life.
Conceived as a collector’s piece and produced in a limited edition of 1,500 numbered copies, the Specula Mundi book captured and extended the narrative and universe of the show beyond the runway. Through the lens of renowned photographer Mark Borthwick, the project offered a poetic and intimate visual journey, standing as a lasting embodiment of the show – transforming a unique moment into a curated cultural object.
Through the collection and the book – as a Maison de Couture born in Rome and established in Paris – Valentino continued to explore and celebrate new forms of storytelling that bridged craftsmanship, culture and contemporary vision.
Encased in bespoke packaging, the book will be available starting from May 11th in select Valentino boutiques worldwide.
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