The Shape Of Things: Maison Valentino's Haute Couture Collection Is A Fusion Of Fantasy And Reality

Not to fall under the common misconception that haute couture equals unwearable fashion, Maison Valentino, under the helm of current Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli, ushers in an era of haute couture collections that encourage fashion as art in the wearable sense, the one where a regular woman working a 9 to 5 can actually dream of wearing one of his pieces, and not just brush it off as unattainable. 

 

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Maison Valentino's collection at the recently concluded Paris Couture Week features a palette and silhouettes reminiscent of Raf Simons for Jil Sander's Spring/Summer 2011 collection where volume and pops of color worked strategically well with neutrals. Save for utilitarian khaki at Piccioli’s, both designers are able to reach out to a certain crop of fashionistas looking for a new way to wear old classics, reworked to mirror the current state of things.

 

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Back to basics

Maison Valentino’s collection at the recently concluded Paris Couture Week was testament to the fact that some women aren’t bothered with the need to show too much skin, but would rather opt for a sense of power and sexiness via putting things together the unexpected way, and reworking closet staples such as a sleek tank top, or wide-leg khaki trousers.

 

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The woman

While the collection featured lots of oversized silhouettes, from coats, to trousers, to bows, we have to sit and take notice of the overall feeling of restraint that seemed to tie everything together—clean updos, sheer skin with the littlest pops of color on the lips or the eyes, sheer black stockings, and sleek choice of footwear. All of this allows for the woman, not just the clothes, to stand out.  

 

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Another point to consider from this haute couture collection: Although the looks work coherently to create an impactful look, each piece is a masterpiece on its own, with impeccable tailoring that garners its rightful couture classification, something to invest in, better yet something to revere. In a world where fast fashion rules, consider it rare practice for fashion fans to actually stop and think of investing in a basic white tee, a crisp pair of trousers, or a wear-for-life coat. Pierpaolo begs to disagree. This latest collection is the best example of how haute couture can clash with reality to create an otherworldly fashion experience.

 

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Save for Piccioli’s ostrich feather headpieces in a handful of looks, this collection pretty much sums up to promoting the idea that simple can be beautiful. We are no longer boxed into the idea that haute couture equals high society, equals fashion being unreal. We live in a time where fashion is for everyone, and this collection brilliantly exemplifies that. Bravo!

 

The grand finale, final touches to gowns, final embraces, the final look at your work before it leaves for the catwalk. The Roman Atelier series #mynameisvalentino arrives at its final and emotional destination: the #ValentinoHauteCouture Show in Paris. It is an overwhelming experience. "Because human stories always change everything" Creative Director #PierpaoloPiccioli.

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Watch the full runway show here:

 

Lead photo via Maison Valentino