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.
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.
: They literalize the breakup by trashing a rose-filled hotel suite and tearing apart the giant teddy bear.
: The visual style mirrors the song's "flamenco-inspired" sound, blending Latin hues with a campy, high-fashion aesthetic. Unashamed Queer Representation
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.
Watch the official music video for 'Valentino' to see the colorful anti-Valentine's Day mission unfold: Years & Years, MNEK 'Valentino' by Jordan Rossi | Videos YearsAndYearsVEVO Promonews• Feb 14, 2019 A Lesson in Moving On
Years & Years' 'Valentino' Video, Feat. MNEK: Watch | Billboard
: Shot in Stockholm during a stop on the Years & Years EU tour.