Valentina Pinault follows Salma Hayek’s footsteps, carrying on her mom’s iconic style
At just 17, Valentina Pinault is turning heads on red carpets and in street style, echoing her mom Salma Hayek’s legendary fashion influence
By: Paula Martíns
APRIL 14, 2025 10:46 AM EDT
On September 21, 2007, Salma Hayek had one of the most emotional moments of her life: the birth of her daughter, Valentina Paloma, with her husband, business magnate François-Henri Pinault.
At 17, Valentina Paloma—who has chosen not to pursue acting and instead plans to study film directing and political science—has emerged as a style icon with a sophisticated, trendsetting aesthetic. Her look is deeply rooted in high-end designer labels and pays homage to her mother’s timeless fashion sense.
Here’s a closer look at the flawless style of Salma Hayek’s daughter.
Valentina clearly got her love of fashion from her mom. She carries herself with elegance and confidence, often wearing designs from the most exclusive labels to major red-carpet events.
While she’s been seen accompanying Salma to high-profile gatherings, she now attends some on her own, or with her 24-year-old half-sister, Mathilde Pinault.
Despite her young age, Valentina masters the art of elevating basic looks. She often mixes wardrobe staples with standout elements like asymmetric cuts, unique silhouettes, or chic oversized outfits paired with low heels.
Her style continues to evolve, and when she goes for a bolder, more fashion-forward look, popular among Gen Z, she’s not afraid of satin finishes and modern fabrics that reflect today’s style trends.
Now a regular at Fashion Week and luxury brand events, Valentina seamlessly blends runway trends with her unique personal style. As a guest, she brings her own essence to the signature aesthetics of each brand she represents.
Though she embraces edgy and trend-setting fashion, Valentina is also drawn to classic princess looks. Think voluminous skirts and red-carpet-worthy glam. A perfect example is the red Isaac Mizrahi dress she wore to the 2023 Oscars, the same one her mother wore in 1997.
Black may be her go-to, but Valentina isn’t afraid to stand out in bold, romantic shades like red and pink. She often opts for monochrome palettes and pairs her colors with subtle accessories.
While she occasionally experiments with bright colors, her true fashion love is the timeless little black dress, a style staple every fashion insider swears by.
With daring trends taking over the fashion world, Valentina cannot shy away. She rocks bandeau tops, miniskirts, and pieces that define her generation, balancing bold choices with elegant staples like blazers.
Thigh-high boots have taken over runways and street style alike, and Valentina proves they’re red carpet-ready too. She often pairs them with short dresses for a fresh, statement-making look.
Ahead of the curve
She effortlessly keeps up with trends. When high-end labels predict a breakout style, Valentina is already wearing it. At the 2023 TIME 100 Gala, she wore a black mermaid-cut dress with a hood, leather gloves, and a matching clutch—a perfect example of her futuristic yet elegant vibe.
At the Eternals premiere in L.A., she stunned in a fitted, long-sleeve black mini dress by Saint Laurent with white polka dots. That sleek, youthful, and practical silhouette is clearly a favorite in her wardrobe.
One of Valentina’s biggest fashion strengths is her knack for accessories. Whether it’s a long statement necklace to break up a simple look or futuristic sunglasses paired with must-have bags, she knows how to make her outfits pop.