Valentino is a brand associated with high-end, luxurious fashion. When head designers Pierpaolo Piccioli and his partner Giancarlo Giammetti took over when Valentino Garavani retired, they changed the brand’s direction without losing its identity.
Now Piccioli is looking back to go forward. The collection is called ‘The Begining,’ a way to do more consciously is the collection’s foundation. Piccioli is examining the house of Valentino’s past and present for signs that he has made an impression; this collection is not a retrospective but introspective.
So what can we expect? Fall/Winter 2022 Couture, Piccioli shows a collection inspired by Japanese art and culture with a splash of Argentinian flamenco. Piccioli pushes his vision of healing creativity through his designs, embracing joy and art poetry, all wrapped in visual pleasure.
The collection features a range of looks, from ornate, formal gowns to more casual pieces that still have a sense of sophistication. Fishnet tights and oversized floral ankle, waist, and head adornments are prominent.
Ruffles, feathers, and bows are on every outfit, and models wear full-face metallic makeup. The runway is not your usual raised wooden stage in a warm studio or museum foyer. Models braved the night air at the slippery travertine stairway, the Spanish Steps.
PHOTO: VALENTINO WEBSITE
Models of every shape and size made an impression on this historic Roman quarter, flowing gowns and androgynous suits, all with Valentino’s signature style.
‘The Beginning’ is a couture collection that will go down in history. Valentino has always been a brand that understands how to make people feel beautiful and confident, and this collection is no different.
Piccioli takes his 23 years at the house of Valentino very seriously, almost as seriously as his commitment to making fashion political. With fashion students taking pride of place in the audience. Piccioli is asking future designers to be responsible without jeopardizing the fashion world, particularly haute couture.
How will Valentino influence the high street? We can expect to see ruffles, bows, and feathers in the coming months. The color palette is vibrant, with no autumn colors insight.
Fishnets and statement shoes will be key, as will bright colors and fluid fabric. Black and pink are a classic combination that will be easy to interpret, but here’s the money shot – sequin trousers. Sequins trousers will dominate high-street collections this season, going into spring/summer next year.
There is something for everyone, and every look exudes luxury and refinement. Valentino’s Couture is the perfect place to start if you want to feel like a modern-day warrior or add a touch of glamour to your everyday wardrobe.
PROFILE PICTURE: VALENTINO COUTURE WEBSITE