Giambattista Valli Haute Couture balances on the boundary between luxury and kitsch
Stunning masterpieces alternate with punishable outfits
It’s been a long time since a collection appeared on the world’s catwalks that provoked so many contradictory feelings. Although the Giambattista Valli brand usually creates stunning garments, which we could easily imagine on the hangers in our wardrobe, it drew the imaginary short straw this time around. For in addition to luxurious masterpieces, the Haute Couture collection includes several items, the public wearing of which could be considered a punishment.
Móda proti proudu
Názor PROTI PROUDU: Martina Šmalclová
A collection full of mistakes: Maxi bows, volume and camel toe
Haute Couture AW 18 is full of maxi volume and monstrous bows. These components usually have a place of honour in luxury collections, but in the case of Giambattista Valli, there is too much of everything. These elements, distinctive enough on their own, are complemented by pleating and bold or entirely inappropriate fabrics. An obvious gaffe is the red maxi model, which completely deforms the model’s bottom half and creates a camel toe impression.
Giambattista Valli confirms: nets are the next hit
After Dior, Giambattista Valli has also come up with playful nets covering the face, and confirms the trend of one of the most important designers. Both brands opted for black and white in terms of colours. However, unlike Dior, Giambattista Valli suggests that the longer and bolder net you choose, the better.
The overall impression is rescued by glorious minimalism and traditional style
The latest collection is saved by luxurious minimalist outfits, which sensually outline the silhouette and reveal the waist, and traditional tulle gowns with fluffy skirts. Because Giambattista Valli’s garments have been amount our favourites for some time, and we wouldn’t want to change this opinion, we can only hope that the next Haute Couture will be somewhat more fortunate and the brand bets on proven classics.
Názor PROTI PROUDU: Ornella Koktová
A luxurious work of art!
According to some, Giambattista Valli Haute Couture is exaggerated fashion full of ruffles and maxi bows. But isn’t it the purpose of Haute Couture to go beyond the boundaries of “normal”, to ease the reins of fantasy and get carried away? I think it is. That’s why, when viewing this collection, I let myself be carried away by the feeling of looking at a work of art, rather than something to wear in public.
Of the overdone outfits, for instance, I liked the ostrich feather bra top with black trousers and a long train. Yet, it’s over-the-top, but for an extravagant event like the Moët & Chandon Champagne Party in Karlovy vary during the KV IFF… why not? At least one would stand out of the crowd of long skirts all around…
Understandably, I found an absolute winner in this collection. It’s the bright pink minimalist dress with the loose flowy cut. The original droopy long sleeves, revealed waist and long skirt… Fantastic! I would match this dress with a Hermès Jaguar Quetzal Scarf 90 (wrapped around my head yachting style) and an orange Hermès Bougainvillea Birkin handbag, which costs even more than the gown, specifically 308,000 CZK. When you want style…
