Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Paris Fashion Week Coverage

Giambattista Valli Fall 2011 Couture

Count on Giambattista Valli to work a runway like a good filmmaker – with a slow build, theatrical climax, and satisfying resolution. A prim, pious look launches his collection at Paris Haute Couture Week, but it's by far the most subtle thing you're going to see on this runway. From ladylike restraint to a full-blown, billowing shock of red that supernovas down the strip, Valli knows how to maximize the drama of his first haute couture collection.

Sharp intakes of breath could be heard by those in attendance, as Valli unfurled his best collection to date (and we might be speaking too soon in saying this, but this could very well be the best collection from Paris Haute Couture Week 2011). Following the modest beginnings to the show, Valli picks up the pace with a white-and-black palette of charming, appliqued coats and frocks, followed by perfectly draped crinoline cocktail dresses in blush and coral pink. Angelic, wispy feathers coat the skirts of several dresses, before a tide of glimmering black trapeze dresses and fur-trimmed layers appears. Big cat prints roared down the runway on regal dresses, and the silhouettes grew more and more startling and unexpected. A funereal lace head covering was paired with a full, long-sleeved dress that was smothered in black feathers. The finale concluded with ballet-bodices melded with utterly gorgeous ball skirts that appeared as touchably soft as cumulus clouds.

written by GRACE GORDON