{Paris Fashion Week Spring 17} Valentino’s Garden of Earthly Delights

As the first Valentino collection without the perfect fit partnership of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli after Chiuri left for Christian Dior, I was a little nervous to see what the after effects would look like. You’re never sure when there’s a team who brings what aesthetic to the table, and when the marriage ends, what the individuals will create on their own. I shouldn’t have worried. Piccioli’s creations for the Spring 17 RTW collection were fantastic as a solo.

Piccioli is the house historian, researching this time medieval art, particularly Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights. He took this work to British designer Zandra Rhodes, who hand drew prints from the Bosch painting.

The resulting collection was full of floating dresses in pinks, reds, and yellows in relaxed midis and maxis with intricate prints, beading, and embroideries. It all felt airy, delicate, and feminine with just a little bohemian twist. Pleat skirts infused great movement and energy, especially to the high neck, long sleeve looks. Handkerchief hems added to the bohemian vibe of the prints.

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The separates and daywear were just as stunning as the dresses with a pink brocade coat, a pair of coral and garden green trousers with a sheer white blouse and a taupe cape trench coat, and a solid fuchsia cape dress.

The final dresses were romantic sheer, covet-worthy pieces that almost floated by. Absolutely stunning works.  I’d say the Valentino house has nothing to worry about.

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