Valentine Reynaud — BFA Fashion Design 2025

Collection

This collection is a dialogue between the softness of 19th-century fashion and the boldness of 1970’s silhouettes, as a tribute to the desire for autonomy. Both movements, though distinct in their contexts, share a powerful narrative of femininity, legacy and the celebration of the human form.

By merging these two styles, I aim to challenge and redefine the constraints of historical fashion norms, hoping to inspire a new understanding of femininity that embraces freedom, elegance and modernity, a timeless reflection of the past and a forward-looking vision for the future.

The fashion of the late 19th century, often depicted by the Impressionists, remained restrictive and quite uncomfortable, yet it subtly marked the beginning of an emancipation from traditional fashion rules. On the other hand, the 1970s witnessed a shift in fashion norms, as women embraced new silhouettes that rejected the constraints of the past.

My designs draw inspiration from these two revolutionary moments in fashion, capturing the essence of elegance and femininity while allowing for a comfortable, liberated and timeless experience.

By reimagining the flowing fabrics and rich textures of 19th-century ballroom fashion, I aim to create a collection in which each piece serves as a canvas, the meeting point of two eras, two muses, two women across time.

Inspired also by the Impressionists, who evolved alongside this fashion of the 19th century, the choice of fabrics and their manipulations reflect the expressive brushstrokes and textures of their paintings, while modern fabric innovations ensure that these garments remain comfortable and wearable.

Video: CREDITS: All garments and shoes by Valentine Reynaud: @labelbyval on instagram - Creative direction: Valentine Reynaud - Photographer: Jason Lin - Photography assistant: Luke Sewell - Videographer: Marius Collet - Makeup artist: Jonathan Logan - Modeled by Danielle Mareka, Chiara-Lou Parriaud and Alani Hajithomas - Crochet hats by Camilla Bratland

Bio

Valentine Reynaud is a French designer, born and raised in Paris. She is currently twenty-one years old and based in New York City. She began her studies at Parsons Paris, where she spent two years before transferring to the New York campus in 2023. She is set to graduate in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in fashion design.

Alongside her studies, she co-founded the clothing brand Balvi Paris with her sister, Margaux, in October 2022. Rooted in Paris, the brand emphasizes sustainability by working with local ateliers and sourcing fabrics from the city. As artistic director, Valentine has designed both collections released since its launch. She is also involved in creative direction, branding, and storytelling.

Beyond fashion, Valentine has a deep passion for photography, using her brand as a platform to explore visual storytelling and creative expression.

Couture-wise, her work often revolves around contrasts, juxtaposing eras, cultures, styles, textures, and attitudes. She draws significant inspiration from France, a culture that has shaped her artistic identity. Blending tradition with modernity, Valentine aims to create designs that are timeless yet forward-thinking, reflecting her unique vision of contemporary fashion. She often builds bridges between art and fashion, merging creative disciplines to enrich her designs and visual narratives.

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