Alessandro Michele’s Valentino couture debut was the most anticipated ticket of Paris Couture Week, and the designer didn't disappoint with a lavish spectacle at the Palais Brongniart, a fittingly historic backdrop for his past-meets-present storytelling.

For Alessandro Michele, who on Wednesday joined the most rarefied ranks of his profession with his debut made-to-measure collection for Valentino, it was both dazzling and a little bit dizzying. Demi Moore Suits Up With Exaggerated Hips and Shoulders at Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture Show in Paris

When Alessandro Michele was growing up in Rome in the 1970s, one of his favorite pastimes was to rummage through his mother’s closet and to run his hands over the rustling taffeta, glinting sequins, and other adornments of time past.

For his debut collection at the French house, the designer left 100-page documents as show notes on every seat at the runway show.