Spring is in the Air
By Lizzy Bowring
THE COLLECTION
THE VIBE
THE THEME
“As guests gathered within the somber yet elegant confines of the Pavillon Vendome, Giambattista Valli unveiled ‘NO 26,’ a collection where each piece whispered a tale of timeless couture. Valli, ever the romantic at heart, transported us to a world where the past and present of haute couture merge in a dance of ethereal fabric, delicate silhouettes, and cascades of flowers. As Thomas Roussel’s score enveloped the room, the collection’s narrative began, and as if she were a ballerina on a musical jewelry box, the first model turned in a black silk velvet bodysuit, the decollete embellished with layers of cream-colored embroidered roses in silk organza — a marriage of youthful grace and structured poise.
Following in succession came the sweetest abbreviated strapless dresses, embroidered with crystals, the high-low hemlines indicative of Valli’s continuing repertoire. In contrast, a draped silk crepe wrap dress with a feathered hooded cape presented a testament to Valli’s meticulous attention to detail, particularly the coat dress in silk lamé brocade, which came graced with a cape collar and draped tulle neckline and whispered of regal elegance. A strapless dress adorned with crystals came next, its high-low tulle skirt cascading like a waterfall, epitomizing Valli’s flair for the dramatically elegant.
Each ensemble, unique in character, spoke volumes of Valli’s mastery over texture and silhouette. From the balloon sleeves and silk organza feathers of a high-low tulle dress to the captivating trail of a mini dress in iridescent sequin jacquard, Valli painted a portrait of couture that was both ethereal and grounded in artisanal heritage. The impressionist cape collar coat, a nod to nature’s artistry, showcases Valli’s affinity for structured and fluid silhouettes. Flowers, and plenty of them, adorned headpieces, wrapped around hiplines, and covered swathes of material that ebbed and flowed in dramatic trains, emphasizing even further the delicacy of his designs and signaling that perhaps the lighthearted season of Spring was in the air.
THE BUZZWORDS
Dramatically elegant, Embellished florals, Textural, Ethereal,
THE SHOWSTOPPER
Look # 29
It is easy to pick a floral ensemble from Valli’s collection but not so easy to select one that spells a new look for the brand. This one does just that; yes, it has a neckline embroidered with silk organza roses, but it is the finesse of the duchess silk and the dramatic display of the full-length voluminous skirt in bold black and white contrasts that make this a stand-out piece.
THE DIRECTION
THE WRAP UP
“The “NO 26” collection by Giambattista Valli is a testament to the emotional depth and artistic prowess of haute couture. It encapsulates a range of emotions through its unique dresses, some adorned with tulle and others radiating bright colors. Valli’s signature flowers, and feathers add a poetic touch to the silhouettes, enhancing the emotional impact. The long trains of the dresses extend the female form, showcasing Valli’s mastery in blending the spontaneous with the sophisticated. This collection, strikes a balance between tradition and a forward-looking vision, reflecting a natural flow of life. Each piece, from the organza and pearls and sequins adorning dresses with flowing trains, the collection celebrates the art of feminine form and delicate craftsmanship. Its rich textures and intricate detailing are a testament to Valli’s ability to venture into the realms of artistic expression and fantasy. It’s a celebration of meticulous craftsmanship, as each creation, hand-sewn in the Parisian Atelier, is a labor of love and patience aimed at capturing the essence and beauty of women.
