Valentino Spring/Summer 2017

Everyone can breathe a collective sigh of relief after Pierpaolo Piccioli made his solo debut for Valentino yesterday—the dreamlike romance lives on! The exquisitely executed historical references, which delve way beyond the 20^th century modern-art references to which most designers cling, were not lost now that it’s a one-man show. The collection  referenced Medieval art, in particular Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights. So yes, there were still plenty of the impossibly rich looking gowns, like a red-pleated number worn with gold dagger earrings, a pink embroidered bell-sleeve gown, and a number of the beautiful sheer, delicate tulle numbers with beading that have become a signature of the house. What was new were the daywear looks. Beyond the gowns fit for a castle were a couple of pairs of pants, a white button-down shirt, a leather jacket, and a pink coat with velvet details. These were, of course, meant to attract new customers or give existing clientele a few new options, but it’s the fairytale gowns chez Valentino that will always leaving us swooning.