She pulled her hair up into a teased ponytail and worked a red lip.
Her sandals are part of the brand’s new accessory line, inspired by contemporary architecture.
These shoes are amazing, I want them immediately! I would have preferred a simple knee length LBD or perhaps a more structured style on Jessica because of her sandals, as well as a bare leg. Nevertheless, she looks beautiful.
With the ink still wet on his couturier stamp of approval awarded by the Chambre Syndicale, Giambattista Valli presented his second couture collection in Paris at the Citron hotel to a select gathering of editors and fashion notables. In an homage to his new accreditation, Valli allowed the complicated techniques characteristic of couture to take center stage as the sole inspiration for his spring offerings.
Indeed, the collection lives up to its inspiration. 31 of the 41 looks adhere to a monochromatic black and white color scheme, But never one to present a lethargic collection, Valli fleshes out each look by playing with texture. There are breathtaking sequined ombrés, painstakingly placed and bedazzled rosettes, slick black croco panels molded like armor standing stiff against flouncing fabric and delicate lace. You can hardly call this multi-dimensional collection minimalist, even with its pared-down color palette.
Late in the show, Valli retires the black and white trope, instead embracing traditional springtime motifs like playful florals, his signature animal print, and a welcome punch of color. With flowers atop their heads, models stomped down the catwalk in frothy floor-length frocks that bloomed out into ball gown skirts, concluding the show with a constricted burgundy embellished cape with a flowy chiffon peeking underneath.
What is most impressive is Valli’s execution of volume. Peplums of folded fabric double over cinched waists, with silhouettes falling sharply down into pointed pencil hems. Tailored jackets boast oversized bows at the hilt, flaring out into structured peplums. Voluminous ball gown skirts, always cinched at the waist, balloon out into frothy trains, brushing the feet of front row spectators.
This collection is nothing short of gorgeous, proving that the Chambre Syndicale knew exactly what it was doing by hastily offering Mr. Valli couturier status. His design and execution are undoubtedly masterful, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see my favorite look, the orchid print ball gown, gracing the red carpet. I’m sure Valli’s phone is ringing off the hook with orders! What do you think?
It’s safe to say that Giambattista Valli had a great year in 2011. After debuting his first couture collection in July, the designer was bombarded with orders for his animal print gowns and feathered frocks– a true feat especially in an economic and social climate said to be causing the decline of couture. This overwhelming response scored him official couturier accreditation from France’s Chambre Syndicale. The designer also took a dip into fast fashion with the release of his capsule collection with Macy’s Impulse brand. This season, Valli continues in the tradition of opulence for ready-to-wear, giving us modest silhouettes like A-line and pencil hems falling below the knee and boxy shifts in rich tones and prints.
In a departure from last year’s omnipresent colorblocking craze, Valli switches things up and gives us a lesson in pattern blocking, layering animal print upon animal print, matching Moroccan mosaic diamond jacquard with graphic geometric zigzags, placing leopard spots against textured tweeds and autumn florals, throwing in hefty helpings of fur for good measure.
The highly textured collection features Valli’s signature patchwork technique, which he employs on dresses and separates, most notably on an head to toe patchworked look, with slivers of white fabric peeking from behind rectangular black panels stitced together.
One cannot overlook Valli’s fur offerings. The collection is rife with multi-tonal stoles, cropped jackets, skirts, and dresses. And let’s not forget the more demure, draped looks for the customer who might prefer a solid color gown to a long sleeved zebra print frock with lace cutouts.
I love the luxe glamour of this collection! The furs are the highlight for me, I love all the tones and patterns he uses to make the pieces extra-special. What do you think?
• Rihanna has some choice words for Eva Hoeke, Editor-in-Chief of Dutch magazine Jackie, who recently ran a feature about the singer calling her the “ultimate niggabitch” with a “ghetto butt.” The songstress took to Twitter, lambasting the editrix and her foul publication, saying “@evajackie I hope u can read english, because your magazine is a poor representation of the evolution of human rights! I find you disrespectful, and rather desperate!! You ran out of legit, civilized information to print! There are 1000′s of Dutch girls who would love to be recognized for their contributions to your country, you could have given them an article. Instead, u paid to print one degrading an entire race! That’s your contribution to this world! To encourage segregation, to mislead the future leaders to act in the past! You put two words together with the intent of abasement, that made no sense…”NIGGA BITCH”?!….Well with all respect, on behalf of my race, here are my two words for you…FUCK YOU!!!” Talk d tings dem, Riri! (Rihanna Twitter) **Update: Eva Hoeke, the Editor-in-Chief of Jackie Magazine, has resigned (Afro-Europe International Blog)
• Some might proclaim couture is dead, but this news doesn’t seem to have reached Giambattista Valli, France’s newest authorized couturier. While it usually takes about five years to become an approved couturier, Valli was able to bypass much of the process after his wildly successful first couture show this summer. (Stylefile)
• Rob Kardashian hasn’t been contributing to the Kardashian Kash Kow nearly enough, but that’s about to change. The littlest ‘Dash is set to release a line of… dress socks. Random as it may seem, the ever-adorable Rob makes it sound so wonderful: “I feel like everybody likes a dress sock. No one wants to see a boring tube sock. I am very passionate about it and I think guys and girls agree with me. Plus you can give your dress socks to your girlfriend when she sleeps over.” You know what, Rob? Yeah. I like a good dress sock. I’m on board! (StyleCaster)
• Speaking of the Kardashians, the Klan just released their highly anticipated Khristmas Kard. Photoshop, much? (The Daily Mail)
• Kate and Laura Mulleavy never stop working, this weekend revealing a collection of Renaissance-inspired gowns in an exhibition titled “RODARTE: Fra Angelico Collection,” which you can view at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA.) The designs are inspired by the work of renaissance painter Fra Angelico. The installation will be up until February 5th, when the gowns will be added to the museum’s personal collection. Think you’ll check it out? (Stylefile)
• Here’s another clip from one of the upcoming Absolutely Fabulous 20th anniversary episodes. In this, Eddy and Patsy lament on the new celebrity “disease” called the “Kardashians” that has spread like “herpes” and “head lice.” These episodes cannot air soon enough. (BBC One Youtube)
Gigi says, “I will be seeing my boyfriend for the first time in months after his tour overseas. We will be spending a weekend in NYC, complete with fancy dinners and nights out. What should I wear to impress my man after not seeing him for months? He likes it when I dress “sexy” (whatever that means lol). This will be early November, so looks that I can wear with tights or pants would be great. Thank you, and I hope this gets answered!”
How exciting, Gigi! I’m happy for you. In my opinion, nothing says ‘sexy’ more than a little red dress with a pair of thigh high boots. He’ll have lots of fun trying to figure out how to get you out of both:
For nighttime, I’m going to admit a slight bias and say I am currently in LOVE with Helmut Lang’s asymmetrical dresses for the fall. The jersey fabric is forgiving yet sultry, most come outfitted with a delightful decoletté neckline, and the pop of leg revealed by the slit is the definition of sexy. Pop one of those babies on with some chic stilettos and a warm jacket you’ll need his help taking off. Complete with red lips or whatever you know will wow him:
I know it looks simple, but I dare any of you to try one of Lang’s dresses on and not feel like a sexpot!
Get a few more Helmut Lang options here (psst, if they’re too pricey, Rent the Runway also carries a few HL items):
• Word is our beloved caped divo, André Leon Talley may be leaving America’s Next Top Model.
It seems Tyra has realized her show is creating reality TV stars, as opposed to top models. Fashion PR maven Kelly Cutrone is rumored to be taking his place, as the show moves away from its “normal” editions. While I love Kelly, it will certainly be sad to ALT go! Whose words are better embellished than the inimitable Mr. Talley? I cannot accept this! (Page Six)
• Everyday there’s a different rumor as to who will take over for Galliano at Dior. Alexander Wang is the latest name being whispered, but do you think the t-shirt king would be right for the famed house known for its showstopping couture? Sometimes, I think there is a machine generating designers’ names, and every day someone tips the media off to whatever name the machine lands on. Today Alexander Wang, tomorrow Giambattista Valli. (Vogue UK)
• Remember when Jay-Z declared jerseys to be woefully out of style? These days, he seems to be okay with designing them. The hip-hop mogul is teaming up with Adidas and The Brooklyn Nets to create a new jersey (no pun intended) for the team, which he part owns. Word is Brooklyn landmarks will be prominently featured in the logo. Can’t wait to see what it’ll look like! (NYPost)
• Headed to Florence? Check out the Gucci Museo. In addition to classic Gucci pieces, the museum also features art installations by contemporary artists. Gucci president Patrizio di Marco says:“The intent is to tell our story and make it visible for everyone, doing something with and for this city.” Think you’d hit it up were you in the neighborhood? (StyleCaster)
Vintage Christian Dior
• EbonyFashion Fair is unloading their archives and holding an online tag sale featuring vintage pieces from designers like Christian Dior, Chloe, and Lanvin. It will be available online from September 13- October 30. Check out these fabulous vintage designer finds, collected over the past 50 years at www.lesliehindman.com. Bid away, folks!
• It’s official! Giambattista Valli will be designing a line for Macy’s, set to release October 26! While there were rumors swirling for the past few months, Macy’s has finally confirmed the launch. Prices will range from $50-$150. Between Valli for Macy’s in October and Versace for H&M in November, it looks like fall’s gonna be an exciting time for budget fashionistas! (Fashionista) Continue Reading…
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