A Rare Romance: Valentino Couture

A soft spring romance, sweeping with chiffon dresses and intricate lace skirts...it could only be Valentino. As the Spring/Summer 2014 Couture show opened with a ballerina inspired gown, covered with music notes, we knew we would be in for a treat. There were precious jewel coloured dresses in olive, yellow and dusky pink as well as Valentino's famous neutral tones which featured on many a lace dress. Sheer fabrics covered with applique, belts inspired by serpents slithering down across the waist and funnily enough, a lion printed on the skirt of an exotic looking shift dress (not to mention the 'tiger' dress). Even though designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli stated that this was a collection inspired by the opera and set designer Maurizio Varamo of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, this show mixed beautiful ballerina dresses with fierce animal motifs. 

The sheer sleves and delicate tulle skirts looked absolutly ravishing as the models sailed down the catwalk, something Valentino capture well: the clothes always move beautifully, perfectly in sink with the wearer. Valentino brought a sense of forgotten romance and intense drama to couture week, creating dresses that surely would not look amiss on the Academy Awards red carpet. There's just something so special about the way Grazia Chiuri and Piccioli design, that reminds us of the famous Miss Havisham in Great Expetations.There is mystery, love and enchantment surrounding these collections, as though the models have stepped out of a time portal from a forgotten, magical land. This collection was spectacular and a treat for all the front row buyers and editors who I assume, rarely get to see such wonderful, elegant creations. Bellissimo!