Valentino Turns the Hood into a Health Hero
In an unexpected twist that could make any fashionista feel like a superhero, Valentino has dropped a limited‑edition, €590 (S$930) “(V) Vaccinated” hoodie. Every stitch proudly screams “V” for the brand’s iconic logo, while a bright red “Vaccinated” tag on the chest alerts the world that you’re “in the club” of Covid‑19 defenders.
Origins: From LA to the Italian Court
It all started with a small Los Angeles outfit called Cloney. They ran a viral, GoFundMe‑style campaign selling a handful of black hoodies—each for the same price range. Valentino was blissfully unaware of the plot until Pierpaolo Piccioli swooped in.
- Cloney’s original batch: five hoodies.
- Piccioli’s response: Purchase the entire set and gift them to VIPs—including Lady Gaga.
Why Wash Up on the Health Frontier?
Piccioli says the real power of the hoodie is two‑fold: fashion and filantropy. The proceeds aim to support UNICEF, feeding into the UN’s COVAX global vaccine sharing scheme. That’s the plan to get vaccines into the hands of kids in the less fortunate corners of the world.
Official Words from the Fashion Lord
“Getting vaccinated is now the best rep your body can adopt—both to stay safe and to show respect for your fellow humans,” Piccioli declared. He added that every hoodie sold on late‑September’s launch will bring a piece of the brand’s heart to the fight against coronavirus.
What to Expect (Beyond the Hoodie)
- Sale date: September 23.
- All sales proceeds: earmarked for UNICEF.
- Campaign tagline: “Stitching hope, one hoodie at a time.”
So if you think a hoodie is just about staying warm, think again. It’s a manifesto, a statement, and a warm, stylish hug for the planet—all wrapped in one chic package.
