Valentino Couture

BUCOLIC BEAUTY


Paris:  For Valentino Couture, Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri looked to the  ideals of the 18th-century’s Age of Enlightenment in France. Silhouettes were modest — full-skirted long dresses with long sleeves — and a return to nature (à la Rousseau) was evident in the assortment of quaint country floral patterns. The overall look had the feel of 70s Gunne Sax or 80s Laura Ashley, but the real inspiration came from a much more decadent source — Marie Antoinette at her quaint Versailles cottage, Le Petit Trianon. Fabrics had the appearance of chintz, with smocking and gathering adding a bit of rusticity, and delicate lace and point d’esprit were patchworked with organza and floral appliqué for a romantic, naïve effect. Grounding each look were pair of floral print loafers, a surprising yet appropriate choice of footwear for the pretty collection.   —Anna Jane Davis

Silhouette: Floor-length, Full-skirted, long-sleeved + high-neck

Color:  White / Off-white / Pink / Pale Cornflower Blue

Key Items:  Long-sleeved prairie dress / Sheer high-neck  blouse / High-waisted dirndl / Ladylike skirt suit

Materials: Taffeta / Lace / Organza / Cotton / Point d’esprit

Print + Pattern: Toile / Antique Country Florals / Watercolor Florals

Details + Trim:  Smocking / Organza appliqués / Sheer sleeves / Ruffled high-neck collars / Bow waistbands

Accessories + Footwear: Flat floral print loafers / Lace Gloves

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