“My intention with this collection was simply to bring in a renewed sense of beauty,” said Giambattista Valli following his frill and floral-filled show in Paris on Monday. “The kind… that feels like a deep breath of fresh air.”
While some designers strive for layered referencing or aching coolness, there are others, like Valli, that simply want to make beautiful dresses for women to feel great in. And yesterday’s show, which came with no show notes to elucidate on reference points or inspirations, delivered on that aim.
Full-skirted embroidered maxi dresses in springtime green florals, bouncing tiered organza frilled midis and rose print white sequinned floor-length shift dresses were perfect summer garden party pieces, with shimmering green jacquard frock coats or a pink and red ostrich feathered bolero to throw on when the temperature drops.
Midriff-baring co-ords in the form of long-sleeved bateau neck sheer crop tops paired with dramatic full maxi skirts brought a modern flirtiness to formalwear, while micro minis with cutouts in pale pink and red and white and gold embroidered box pleat mini skirts adhered to summer ‘22’s flesh-flashing memo.
“I have always been drawn to exploring how seemingly opposites complement each other,” said Valli, who styled his ultra-feminine dresses with itty bitty red and silver sunglasses to add edginess. “A balance between romantic softness and a certain eclectic, almost kinky attitude, which to me is the new feminism.”
