A Lesson in Couture...
Flou Couture: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012
Only one season after showing his first ever
Haute Couture collection, and designer Giambattista Valli has finally achieved the "Couture Stamp of Approval" from the
Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Coutuire Parisienne and is now the "one to watch out for". He has certainly shot up to the "Head of the Couture Class", especially since last season's collection was such a hit--with both editors, fashion critics, as well as the well-healed clients. Speaking of clients:
Valli Girls: Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco, Sarah Jessica Parker
Who can forget how GORGEOUS Princess Caroline of Hanover's daughter,
Charlotte Casiraghi, looked in that baby blue
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown (bought not borrowed!!!) at her uncle's Monaco Royal Wedding--almost stealing the spotlight from Princess Charlene. And
Sarah Jessica Parker in the same Haute Couture gown but different color (it was the runway sample!).
And of course, there's Spanish aristocrat/Fashion Doyenne
Nati Abascal, who has worn
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture (photo above) and...
Even
Laura Vecina, now Duchess of Feria got married to one of Nati's beautiful sons in a Custom
Giambattista Haute Couture design (above photo). Now that we've gotten the clients out of the way, let's talk about his new
Haute Couture collection for Spring/Summer 2012.
Luncheon or Cocktails? Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012
Yesterday, he showed his Spring 2012 Haute Couture collection, and from the photos, it was a "Return to the Classical Couture". Seeing every exit/look made me think:
"We've found the Heir to Valentino, Ungaro and Yves Saint Laurent!" The clothes were sublimely elegant, restrained yet modern. No tricks, not so many "bells" or whistles, but just beautiful well-made clothes destined for the aristocrats of Europe and South America. While Donatella's
Atelier Versace has "Girlfriend of a Russian Arms Dealer Billionaire" written all over it...Valli's client is well, more
Victoria Crown Princess of Sweden and
Sheikha Mozah of Qatar.
Bow-licious: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012
LBD: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012
Shapes were Lady-like, chic and perfect for those aforementioned aristocrat and royal clients. Strapless ball gowns, one-shouldered dresses a la Ungaro (where Valli once designed) and sleeveless sheaths were standouts. Bows were the "Star" detail, much like in the Christian Dior Haute Couture collection. Here are some more photos from the collection:
Royal Wedding Guest: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012
Where's My Chauffeur? Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012
