Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2011: Valentino

Posted by Katie Hill at 3:38 pm July 8th, 2011 | 0 comments

Famous for their fairy-tale ball gowns, house of Valentino designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Picciolo did not disappoint this year presenting a collection fit for the next generation of princesses. Held at one of Paris’ most luxurious and exclusive venues, Place Vendôme, the venue matched medieval princess theme of the collection. Attracting Valentino devotées such as Anne Hathaway and Amanda Peet, the show featured heavily embellished gilt gowns in shades of nude, white and black, but with only one red dress this year.

Inspiration for the old-world style collection was taken from “Russian aristocratic émigrés who came to Paris after the Revolution” said Maria after the show. Many of the pieces featured higher necklines, but were sheer to highlight the appliqued floral detail, beaded embellishments or ruffles that swept the floor. There were also several very wearable coats,  in particular a white floor length cape and black velvet jacket with gold coin detail.

With a collection featuring such rich fabric such as devoré panné velvets and gold thread, perhapps we will next see these dresses on the Duchess of Cambridge or Princess Charlene of Monaco.

Katie Hill loves writing about fashion from all over the world. A self-confessed shopaholic, she is always seeking out the lastest news and newest trends.