Love is never one-dimensional — neither is the way it is expressed. This Valentine’s Day, luxury fashion and beauty houses reimagine the symbols of love, blending heritage with modernity, nostalgia with rebellion, and romance with self-expression. From Aquazzura’s flirtatious take on hearts to Balenciaga’s subversive anti-Valentine aesthetic, and Montblanc’s ode to the lost art of handwritten love letters, the season’s most coveted pieces offer something for every kind of romance. Whether it is a gift for a loved one or a declaration of self-love, these collections prove that the language of love is as bold, nuanced, and timeless as ever.

The Passion of Red & Symbolism of Hearts

Aquazzura

Aquazzura hones in on the sensual appeal of the colour red. While high-heeled shoes have long been a symbol of sexuality (cue Amy Winehouse’s “F*ck Me Pumps”), Aquazzura embraces this allure with a Valentine’s Day edit that plays on desire, romance, and empowerment. Hearts take centre stage as the leitmotif — dangling off the straps of pointed-toe mules set on a mid-height stiletto, appearing as delicate all-over cutouts on a high-heeled pump, a ballerina flat with a fine strap, and even shaping the silhouette of an envelope clutch. The contrast of black and bright red adds a playful yet sultry dimension, toeing the line between whimsy and sensuality. The offerings are not necessarily about gifting in the traditional sense — (as there is no him or for her component to the collection) but rather a celebration of self-expression, a statement piece that one buys for oneself. Unlike the grand, overt declarations of love one might see in other Maisons’ Valentine’s collections, Aquazzura’s take is flirtatious, charming, and effortlessly seductive — less about sentimentality and more about confidence, power, and the art of attraction.

Coach

This Valentine’s Day, Coach embraces the colour of love in all its intensity. From deep crimson to soft blush, red has long symbolised passion, devotion, and bold self-expression — qualities deeply embedded in the brand’s own DNA. More than just a colour, it is a statement of confidence and sentimentality, making every piece from this collection an enduring token of affection. From heritage-inspired bags to playful ready-to-wear, Coach’s Valentine’s Day edit is a celebration of craftsmanship, nostalgia, and meaningful gifting.

Infused with vintage Americana, the 90s Heart T-Shirt takes cues from classic varsity mascot patches on letterman jackets. Its whimsical heart graphic, adorned with Coach’s iconic flying Pegasus, evokes a sense of freedom, adventure, and youthful romance — perfect for a modern love story.

A true love letter to Coach’s legacy, the Signature Jacquard Hamptons Hobo Bag is part of The Coach Originals, a collection reviving archival designs that define the brand’s authentic New York spirit. Reimagined from a best-selling 2005 silhouette, this structured bag is crafted from glove-tanned leather and lightweight signature jacquard. Rendered in bold red and pink hues, it exudes both timeless elegance and contemporary allure. The sleek clip hardware closure and zip-top silhouette blend function with style, designed for effortless wear and lasting appeal. With every stitch and shade, Coach’s Valentine’s Day edit redefines romance — bold, nostalgic, and made to be treasured.

AMAFFI

Few things capture the essence of love quite like the colour red — bold, fiery, and undeniably passionate. This Valentine’s Day, AMAFFI Perfume House elevates red beyond mere sentiment, transforming it into a statement of regal elegance. A jewel-encrusted bracelet is one thing, but can anything be more exquisite than a fragrance bottle crowned with a crystal cap, holding an opulent scent within? AMAFFI’s perfumes are more than gifts; they are emblems of devotion, bottled in vessels that embody passion, power, and grandeur.

This year, AMAFFI’s most passionate fragrances for Valentine’s Day come together as a love letter in Red. “Amor & Psychea For Women” unfolds like a passionate affair. A lush floral bouquet of orange blossom, tuberose, and gardenia melts into warm amber, creating an intoxicating scent reminiscent of a fervent flame. Housed in a heart-shaped glass bottle with gold accents, it is a tribute to love’s eternal glow. “Glory For Women” radiates regal femininity, blending luminous notes of ylang-ylang, mimosa, and sandalwood. Presented in a ruby enamel orb with gold filigree and 2,026 Swarovski crystals, it is a declaration of elegance and power. “Insomnia For Men” is inspired by the electric energy of a city at night. This refined fougère blends vibrant greenery, hot ginger, and violet leaf with a rich oak moss base. Encased in a gradient-coloured glass bottle topped with a zircon-adorned cap, it mirrors the night’s enigmatic allure. An AMAFFI fragrance is more than a scent — it is a symbol of enduring love, unparalleled craftsmanship, and a gift that lasts beyond a fleeting moment.

The Symbolism of Hearts

MCM

From “Munich to Mars” to a journey “Under the Sea”, MCM remains a brand synonymous with exploration, and its Valentine’s Day capsule continues this spirit. In recent years, the label has leaned into motifs, illustrations, and graphic storytelling to complement its signature monogram Visetos leather pieces. While logomania may no longer dominate fashion cycles, expressive prints and artistic embellishments have taken its place, allowing brands to experiment with visual storytelling. MCM’s 2025 Valentine’s highlight — the Cognac Visetos Hobo handbag, is a testament to this evolution. Crafted entirely from upcycled materials, it features hand-painted hearts that subtly spell out the MCM monogram — an approach that blends nostalgia with a more intimate, personalised expression of love. Rather than relying solely on logos, MCM is embracing a more illustrative, emotionally resonant aesthetic that aligns with the sentimentality of Valentine’s Day.

Complementing the hobo is the monogram Visetos chain wallet, adorned with colourful heart illustrations and a refined trifold silhouette enriched with compartments designed for modern practicality. For consumers who want more than the traditional red-and-roses Valentine’s aesthetic, MCM Crush fragrance and statement sunglasses offer an alternative take on romantic gestures. While the notion of “his and hers” gifts may feel outdated in an era moving beyond prescriptive ideas of love, hearts remain a universal symbol — redefined not as a marker of convention, but of personal expression and connection.

Tom Ford Rose Exposed 

Roses and flowers are often the predictable go-to for romance, but Tom Ford’s Rose Exposed proves that a bloom can be anything but delicate. This fragrance shatters the clichés of floral fragrances, transforming the classic rose into something raw, unfiltered, and undeniably seductive. At its heart is an exclusive rose-on-rose co-distillation — an innovation that intensifies the natural richness of fresh petals — layered with spiced pink peppercorn, warm sandalwood, and a supple black leather accord. The result is a scent that feels as bold as it looks, bottled in a striking deep rose flacon, the colour of desire, danger, and power. Red, after all, is never just romantic — it is fiery, carnal, and unapologetically bold. Much like Rose Exposed — a fragrance for those who appreciate romance with a little rebellion

The Love Language of Gift-Giving 

Balenciaga

Trust Balenciaga to approach their 2025 Valentine Series capsule collection from a distinctly subversive perspective. Instead of the conventional red and heart motifs, the only nod to Valentine’s Day comes in the form of “Happy Valentine’s Day” messaging and a love poem in a handwritten typeface — both subtly printed on the House’s signature oversized ensembles. The blurred typeface and the “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” lettering only add to the brand’s signature irreverence. Fans may be accustomed to Balenciaga’s counter-cultural take on fashion, but how does the Maison interpret the notion of love? One could argue that Balenciaga’s subversive approach is precisely what keeps it so in tune with the zeitgeist. The visual stills by artist Emma Alvin, featuring models in oversized hoodies, logo caps, and fuchsia-pink hair, are a clear nod to the 2000s — an era Gen Z is particularly enamoured with. Similarly, Balenciaga’s Le City Paparazzi campaign, which repurposes early 2000s paparazzi images digitally altered to showcase today’s Le City bag, further underscores the brand’s nostalgic fixation.

Balenciaga’s 2025 Valentine Series, however, takes this nostalgia a step further, offering a distinct yet unconventional reflection on the romantic essence of Valentine’s Day. In a world where the love language of gift-giving is increasingly tied to personal expression rather than traditional sentimentality, Balenciaga’s Valentine’s Day offerings feel fitting — eschewing overt romanticism in favour of bold, statement pieces that resonate with the wearer’s individuality rather than societal expectations.

Montblanc

Montblanc aims to reignite the love for an art some consider lost in the era of digital communication, is the art of handwritten words. While some may express love through gift-giving and others through words of affirmation, Montblanc’s curated selection this Valentine’s Day beautifully combines both. Montblanc’s renowned Meisterstück Gold-Coated 149 Fountain Pen is a testament to enduring craftsmanship, embodying a century of fine artistry. With its cap and barrel made from black precious resin and a handcrafted Au 750/18K gold, rhodium-coated nib, this writing instrument is the perfect balance of luxury and legacy. More than just a seasonal gesture, it is a gift that lasts beyond cyclical trends — one that is not only timeless but also deeply practical. Each Meisterstück is adorned with the Montblanc emblem and can be engraved with a unique message, making it a personal keepsake.

For the corporate professional who appreciates elegance in both work and leisure, the Meisterstück can be paired with the new cassis-colored Meisterstück 1-Pen Pouch, Montblanc ink, and the classic Notebook #146 to further elevate the writing experience and inspire creativity. More than a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers (lovely as they may be), Montblanc’s offerings are emblems of love, creativity, and lasting significance.

Gucci Guilty

Is there anything more innately sensual than scent — one of humanity’s most primal senses? This is precisely what Gucci Beauty seeks to capture with its latest limited-edition fragrances: Gucci Guilty Love Edition Pour Homme and Pour Femme. Designed as an ode to love in all its forms, these new fragrances break away from conventional notions of scent and gender. By blurring the lines between classic fragrance categories, Gucci Beauty introduces a traditionally masculine signature ingredient into the female scent and a feminine one into the male scent, creating two uniquely layered blends. More than just a fragrance, Gucci Guilty Love Edition is an invitation to embrace passion and individuality.

Gucci Guilty Love Edition Pour Homme weaves together the woody warmth of Ambrofix, the sensual depth of Orange Flower Absolute, and the balsamic spice of juniper oil, creating an alluring balance of richness and freshness. Meanwhile, Gucci Guilty Love Edition Pour Femme embraces a delicate yet bold interplay of lilac accord, patchouli oil, and musky ambery accord — offering a floral, earthy, and subtly sweet take on desire. Whether gifted to a partner or chosen for oneself, Gucci Guilty Love Edition is a celebration of intimacy and self-expression.

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