Released on Valentine's Day in 2019, the music video for by Years & Years and MNEK is a vibrant "anti-Valentine" anthem that celebrates queer friendship over toxic romance. Directed by Jordan Rossi alongside Olly Alexander and MNEK, the visual provides a stylish, playful guide on how to purge a "nefarious" ex from your life.
The video begins with a cinematic nod to Sex and the City , as Olly Alexander discovers a sticky note on a massive teddy bear from the titular "Valentino" that reads, "I'm sorry. I can't. Don't hate me". While Olly is initially devastated, MNEK arrives to shift the energy from heartbreak to empowerment.
The "Valentino" video serves as a reminder that while romance may be fleeting, a good friend and a little bit of creative destruction are the ultimate cures for a broken heart. Years & Years, MNEK - Valentino (Official Video)
The collaboration was an extension of their real-life friendship; the two wrote the track together after bonding over shared experiences with "fuck boys" who had messed them around. By centering their mutual support, the video transforms a story of romantic failure into a victory for queer brotherhood. Production and Context : Jordan Rossi.
: The video highlights the importance of platonic support, with the duo sharing champagne baths and heart-shaped chocolates while "cursing" the boy who did them dirty. Released on Valentine's Day in 2019, the music
: Shot in Stockholm during a stop on the Years & Years EU tour.
: The visual style mirrors the song's "flamenco-inspired" sound, blending Latin hues with a campy, high-fashion aesthetic. Unashamed Queer Representation I can't
A defining feature of the "Valentino" video is its bold, authentic representation. Olly Alexander expressed immense pride in the project for being noting that two men singing specifically about a boy remains rare in mainstream pop.