VALENTINO RESORT 2016

VALENTINO RESORT 2016

Designers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli of Valentino lent their masterful ways to produce a triumphant manifestation for Valentino's Resort 2016 collection. Intricate handiwork flourished on folk heritage inspired garments bursting with sheer enchantment.

Ine Neefs opened the show in a crew neck salt n pepper knit complete with gold lurex neckline. This wardrobe staple was teamed to an ebony double breasted coat with Ikat derived embroidery which blossomed on the forearms in an array of eye catching shades including emerald, tangerine and azure. A drop waist captivating aspirin dot mesh maxi featured embellished beadwork panelling which brimmed of decadence. The look was accessorised with patterned sneakers, an unlikely combination that worked surprisingly well juxtaposed against the couture refinement.

Ingenue connotations dominated on a statement full length a-line mesh embroidered dress. Long sleeves and high neck detail graced the artisanal garment. Flower and fauna applique starred in shades of cherry, buttercup, forest green and turquoise which offset beautifully against the ebony and mocha bodice. Lavish military surplus was the order of the day on a golden khaki utilitarian jacket complete with embroidered epaulets, pocket flaps and cuffs. A pebbled raven satchel featured stud detail and a wide woven shoulder strap in a kaleidoscope of colour. This updated jacket was twinned to a round neck ethnic pleated mini dress. Earrings resembling dream catchers dangled precariously from the model's lobes finalised with dainty feathers.

A leather intarsia bomber jacket was adorned with the Canadian Maple leaf motif. Other flags to grace the boldly hued moto jacket included the Brazilian flag which was intermixed with the Bolivian flag lending a multicultural edge. A monochromatic scalloped broderie anglaise panelled mini dress featured lace up keyhole and translucent petticoat slip for modesty.

Exquisite craftsmanship ruled on a black gossamer lace ankle grazing dress. The high neckline oozed of poetic romanticism. The sheer body skimming silhouette was scattered with cascading butterflies, bird life and an oversized tree motif which displayed a smirking monkey and robust elephant. A tasselled square clutch complete with tooled purse clasp concluded with a turquoise stone. The seventies continues to reign supreme.

Magical Valentino DNA was embedded into a lavish patchwork floor sweeping dress. Scarlet spidery lace inserts through the mid torso section gave way to delicate floral fabrics in shades of pistachio, grape, flame, cobalt, flamingo and alabaster. A wondrous concoction brimming with tenderness and fragility.

A brocade, empire line full skirted dress featured in micro proportions. The floral print resembled a Monet painting with a field of flowers blossoming throughout the entire dress. Simplistic chocolate leather sandals with crossover ankle detail came complete with gold leaf embellishment across the breadth of the foot. 

A muted cornflower blue evening gown with subtle bishop sleeve was sheathed by ethereal flowers, a shop stopping addition exuding luxurious peasant folklore .

A heavenly intercontinental collection surging with pulchritude sure to grace fashion royalty and glossies worldwide.

By Courtney Jones.