Reading a critique of Valentino’s Haute Couture show—the first of Alessandro Michele’s career—I found myself reflecting on the concept of vertigo.

I know vertigo well. That moment when the ground seems to disappear beneath your feet, when your head spins and balance is momentarily lost—it’s not exactly a feeling one seeks out. Michele captures this sensation by exaggerating archival Valentino pieces, mirroring the overwhelming experience of stepping into the world of haute couture, where he must now measure himself against a sacred monster of the fashion industry.

FROM COUTURE TO PERSONAL BRANDING: THE VERTIGO OF HIGH-STAKES MOMENTS

Bringing this concept into personal branding, vertigo reminds me of those career-defining moments—the first major work event after a promotion, a new job, or a situation where your presence directly influences future business opportunities. These moments might open new doors, strengthen existing partnerships, or mark a company’s strategic shift.

In each case, your image must project solidity and confidence—what I call the “armor outfit.” These are the situations where you are stepping into a confrontation, and you need to appear unshakable.

While mental and verbal preparation are key, your visual presence plays a crucial role in establishing authority. The goal in these moments is impenetrability—to create an intentional, composed presence that serves as a protective layer between you and the external world.

HOW TO TRANSLATE THIS INTO YOUR IMAGE: THE POWER OF MONOCHROME

How does this translate practically? One word: monochrome.

An outfit dominated by a single color is a perfect example of this strategy. A monochrome look creates a bold, unified presence, minimizing distractions and reinforcing cohesion and control.

More importantly, the “armor effect” must work for the wearer. You need to feel protected—which often means choosing something you’ve worn before to avoid unexpected discomfort. These are high-pressure moments where any minor tension is amplified, much like Michele’s exaggerated couture silhouettes at Valentino.

A blazer that feels slightly off, shoes that pinch, or a fabric that makes you self-conscious can become unnecessary stressors in moments where you need to focus on presence, not distractions. Minimizing stress is key, and the best way to do that is by controlling what is within your power—starting with what you wear.

THE THEATRICALITY OF PRESENCE: ONE SHOT TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION

Valentino’s show serves as a perfect hook for this concept, not only because of Michele’s strong aesthetic influences from the world of costume design but also because fashion shows and high-stakes work events share a fundamental truth:

Like in theater, the verdict is delivered in a single, often unrepeatable performance.

In these moments, time is both limitless and fleeting—you have as much time as you need to convince, but only one shot to do it.

So, the next time you find yourself in a moment of professional vertigo, ask yourself: Is your image helping you feel grounded—or adding to the overwhelm?

Valentino Spring 2025 Couture

Vogue Runway website