Monastic COUTURE, Cape Heaven, Flower Brocade and Valentino Red...
Viva Red: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012
Intense, sensual, regal...buzzwords for the "new" Valentino courtesy of its designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. Ever since they were placed at the helm of the iconic Fashion House, they have tried to take its DNA of UBER feminine, flowery, ruffle-filled clothes for a Roman Lady (or her daughter) who Lunches on Caprese salad and limoncello (and worn by style icons such as Jackie O and Elizabeth Taylor) to a more educated romantic, slightly Gothic Girl. In the last few seasons, one can see where these two designers want to take the House of Valentino and make it relevant for the 21st Century but still be respectful to signor Valentino Garavani.
Valentino designers Maria Grazia Chiuri (right) and Pier Paolo Piccioli (left)
For their recent Fall 2012 Valentino Haute Couture collection, they continued this spirit showing beautiful, delicate clothes, with an almost "Game of Thrones" touch to them. Monastic Capes (the Couture item of the season) were abundant and dresses with curved solid patterns highlighted by delicate chiffon:
Caped Crusader vs. Fluid Queen: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012
Crystal Cocktails: a black with silver sequin jet-beaded cocktail dress with "pulled-up" Princess-cowl skirt detail (left) and a sequin-and-jacquard jumpsuit (right)--Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012
Feminine Renaissance: cowl-draped long-sleeve silk chiffon gown with applique (left) and multicolored applique cocktail dress--Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012
Priest Front, Red Carpet Back: silk crepe-back satin gown with semi-open blouson-and-caped back--Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012
Botticelli Primavera: Full-skirted gown with cape in embroidered silk gazar (left) and gold and yellow bateau-neck long-sleeve dress with "pulled-up" skirt detail--Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012
Roman Ball: blouson-style silk chiffon gown with sequined applique and silk satin applique coat with pointed shoulders--my FAVORITE look of the entire collection HANDS DOWN!!! Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012
Click below for Full Runway Video of Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012:
