On Friday, American singer-songwriter D4vd—who shot to fame with his hit “Romantic Homicide” after it went viral on TikTok last year—touched down in Milan for Valentino’s spring 2024 menswear collection, where he served as the guest performer. “This is my first time in Milan, so it’s really special that it also happens to be fashion week,” he told Vogue. “It’s been really fun to see the art, the fashion, and the creativity around the city. I love the creativity—and I love the food. I’m trying to eat as much pasta as possible.”

Hitting the stage during the presentation was perfect timing for the star, given he just released his new EP, Petals to Thorns; as a result, he had plenty of new music to share with the fashion-forward audience. “It was the highlight of my year for sure,” says D4vd. “Working with Pierpaolo [Piccioli] was inspiring, and it was awesome that he connected to my music.” The singer, of course, brought a strong statement look for the performance: He slipped into a black button-up and trousers by the Italian house, the top accentuated with a chic white rose. “The rose on top was very on brand for me [given] my EP is called Petals to Thorns, which is my story about the lifespan of a rose,” he says. “When Pierpaolo showed me the outfit, I was stoked and knew it was the one. It was also so comfortable.”

While performing at a fashion show is a moment in itself—it was his first fashion week ever!—D4vd didn’t end the excitement there. Later that evening, he also headlined his own set at the city’s Circolo Magnolia venue. “The crowd was absolutely incredible—they knew every song,” he says. “Milan truly surprised me with the love that they showed, and I showed that right back.” He again chose Valentino for the stage look, this time wearing a sleek black suit with a bright red button-up and black tie.

This summer, D4vd will be continuing his life on the road, with upcoming shows in Dallas, Washington, and New York. “It’s been amazing,” he says of touring. “I’ve been able to meet so many of my supporters at the merch table after these shows. It’s inspiring and motivating to hear about how they found the music and what they like about it. Every day has been a blessing.” He’s particularly looking forward to his show on June 25, in his hometown of Houston. “It for sure will be a crazy night,” he says. “I played White Oak’s upstairs room in February, and to be able to play the downstairs room just four months later is truly unbelievable. I’m honored and can’t wait.”

Below, an inside look at D4vd’s first Milan Fashion Week experience.