Why Sombr is the dream Valentino muse
Now that the Grammy-nominated artist has joined the brand’s roster, we’re looking back at the style moments that made it happen
There comes a moment when a musician’s style can make or break their rise to stardom. For the lucky, like Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier, a kismet connection with a designer can unlock an era of style that transcends generations.
In Somber, Valentino’s creative director Alessandro Michele has found that special synergy. Since joining the Italian luxury house in 2024, the man who redefined Gucci for nearly a decade has been curating a cast of ambassadors who amplify his maximalist, vintage-inspired vision. Now, alongside Dakota Johnson and Colman Domingo, the Grammy-nominated musician joins Valentino’s coveted roster of celebrity ambassadors.
“I love fashion and I have the deepest respect both for the vision of Alessandro Michele and the legacy of the great Valentino Garavani,” Sombr said in a statement. Before we embark on what’s sure to be a fruitful collaboration between the artists, we’re revising the style moments that led to Sombr’s ambassador appointment.
2025 MTV Video Music Awards
With his suave demeanour, svelte frame, and cheekbones carved from marble, Sombr certainly looks the part of an Alessandro Michele muse. But beyond the physicality, it’s the artist’s penchant for ’70s and ’80s glam-rock that truly seals the deal.
At the 2025 VMAs, he took to the red carpet in a look from Michele’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection: a Tony Montana-inspired wide lapel, flourished with an embroidered floral motif that nods to vintage glamour. Pair that with his perfectly tousled cut, and you have Valentino’s dream frontman.
Vogue World
With the psychedelic daze of Studio 54 a continued reference point for Michele, it’s no wonder he would continue that disco trajectory at Valentino. Sombr made his runway debut at Vogue World wearing a sequinned jacket that shimmered like a disco ball. Little did we know it was just a teaser for what would come.
2026 Grammy Awards
With model-perfect proportions, Sombr owns every runway look. Of course, for his first Grammy appearance, he dialled it up in his first custom Valentino ensemble. While glitter jumpsuits usually steal the show (Benson Boone, Harry Styles – we see you), Michele’s ’70s-inspired suiting brings the sparkle without going full disco ball. A vintage floral shirt and pointed turquoise boots are quintessential Michele flourishes.
Making his stage debut at the awards, the Best New Artist nominee electrified the crowd with a high-voltage performance of “12 to 12.” Dressing for the spotlight, Michele crafted the ultimate disco-ball suit: a sharp cropped jacket splashed with mirrored panels that caught every flash and flicker.
Sombr’s final custom look of the night spotlighted Michele’s flair for drama after dark. A slick leather set channelled the brooding, vampiric allure of Only Lovers Left Alive, while a high-collar lace shirt adds a flash of romantic decadence beneath the edge. Rockstar dressing done the Valentino way.