For Giambattista Valli's tenth anniversary as a couturier, the Italian designer pulled out all the stops with an extravagant balloon-filled set, a star-studded front row and an astounding 59 looks in a kaleidoscope of joyous hues. Here's everything you need to know about Giambattista Valli's spectacular AW22 Haute Couture show:
The inspiration
'I think the most powerful lesson of the last couple of years was really to enjoy the moment, live in the moment,' said Valli backstage before the show. Marking his return to the Paris runway for the first time since 2019, it was only fitting, then, that this collection be all about celebration – of his career, his contribution to the 'new age' of couture, the joys of fashion, the beauty of its craft, and being back firmly in the 'now'. Inspirations included Studio 54's iconic party scene in the Seventies, and English gardens filled with beautiful roses – and resulted in some of the most fantastical creations we've seen in Valli's career thus far.
The vibe
All-out glamour and extravagance was the order of the day, with feathers, sequins, intricate embellishment and layers upon layers of frothy tulle featuring heavily, paired with oversized sunglasses, statement earrings and flowing tresses. And you can't get much more celebratory than a gigantic balloon wall backdrop, featuring kitsch flamingoes, unicorns and all manner of rainbow-coloured animals.
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The dresses
In a glorious display of Valli's unparalleled craft, skill and vision, this season's dresses were more OTT and fabulous than we've ever seen them before. Think all-over feather minidresses with cascading contrast trains, sheer tulle wrapped around the body in candy-like formations, dramatic, multi-layered tulle skirts and complex ruffles reminiscent of flowers.
The surprise
The first half of Valli's show was noticeably more low key than usual – for him at least. Models emerged in a selection of 'simple' white column gowns, delicately trimmed with rhinestones, feathers, bows and frills in a departure from the bright monochromes the designer is best-known for. A chic reminder of the beauty of simplicity – but always with a big sprinkle of Giambattista Valli's magic.
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
