Pierpaolo Piccioli presented his first solo collection as creative director of Valentino today at Paris Fashion Week, and what a collection it was. At a whopping 64 looks, the show spanned day- and eveningwear, offering up quirkily elegant pieces in shades of pink, yellow, and Valentino s signature red. If the standing ovation Piccioli received is any indication, this season is already a hit. But more on that in Sarah Mower s upcoming review. For now, catch up on of-the-minute updates from Valentino, below.
1. Valentino showed in its longtime couture venue, the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild, setting up single rows of seating along the hotel particulier s ground and upper floor salons. This meant models had to do a little extra legwork this season navigating the stairs in Piccioli s sweeping gowns. Perhaps thanks to the abundance of sandals or models s sheer professionalism, not a single one tripped.
2. The stars turned out for Piccioli s solo debut. Jessica Alba, Diane Kruger, Dakota Fanning, Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, and Mika were among the celebrities seated front row.
3. Valentino Garavani, too, sat front row to watch Piccioli take hold of his namesake brand. Fellow designers Alber Elbaz, Olivier Rousteing, and Piccioli s longtime collaborator, Maria Grazia Chiuri (now at Dior), were also in attendance.
4. The show began with a series of pink looks that ranged in color from blush to bright fuchsia, some incorporating signature Valentino red. The dedication to a single color allowed Piccioli to experiment with garments, showing everything from shimmering rose trousers to a neon pink jacquard coat to tiered dresses, bold graphics, and one red fishnet number that rounded out this section.
5. Piccioli cited both Hieronymus Bosch and Zandra Rhodes as references this season. Bosch s symbols appeared throughout the collection, while the brand collaborated with Rhodes on a range of prints for evening gowns.
6. Nearly every look was accessorized with a cross-body bag, some as small as cigarette cases, others proper-sized shoulder bags.
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7. The show was accompanied by a soundtrack made in part by legendary film composer Alexandre Desplat, which added a bit of cinematic drama to the already riveting runway.
8. Models s hair was swept back into low twists and braids, all the better to show off Valentino s long dagger earrings.
9. After the finale, Piccioli arrived to take his bow to a standing ovation. Models gathered at the top of the staircase, applauding the designer and posing with him as guests left the venue.
Valentino | Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear: