Valentino’s Roman romance

Stately, structured and feminine are terms that aptly describe Valentino’s haute couture plans for us this fall-winter 2014-15 unfurling a charming ‘Return to Rome’ theme

The renowned brand’s creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli drew grand inspiration from ancient Greece, bringing to mind ethereal Athenian nymphs adorned in Grecian gowns, crafted from homespun fabric, which gracefully fell away to ankle length, secured at the shoulders with ornamental clasps and at the waist by a girdle. Completing the look were flat, strapped gladiator sandals (which even thousands of years later remain on our hit list) and a fresh green olive branch wound round the head sweetly.

Taking key elements from that hoary period of history the brand unfurled a sumptuous line of dresses and gowns fashioned in luxurious fabrics, highlighted by delicate black and gold sculpted flowers (often featured in Roman fountains) in appliqué and by prints recalling the Vatican’s tiled floor. Several dresses and gowns feature satin sashes that were snugly wound around the waist, criss-cross style. You’ll also find intrecciato weaves and intricate gold lacework in the spliced-neck dresses and the covetable short skirt and top combinations. The variety of neck designs ranged from conservative close-neck to trendy halter neck and even a sleek boat-neck, offering great variety for both the traditional as well as chic dressers. But that’s Valentino.  Timeless as always.