In the Hôtel Crillon, Giambattista Valli presented a timeless collection reiterating what couture best does: light weight, princess gowns in fuchsia, salmon and cream lace; storybook-like day dresses in draped muslin, in polka dots or floral motifs; and a refinement in the cuts that only true atelier practice can offer. Belts in pure silver delicately outlined a waist on a beaded top; giant flowers worn on the head added a surrealistic feel to a fairy-tale show.

Dazed Digital: The accessories were quite something! Can you tell me about those?
Giambattista Valli: They were in fact sculpted jewelry by Luigi Scialanga, made especially for the show. They were all cut out of sheets of silver – silver, everywhere! Even on the shoes, did you notice?

DD: Why do couture in the middle of a recession?
Giambattista Valli: Because it is preserving ancient jobs, and giving work to people. Today more than ever it is absolutely indispensable. Money needs to be spent, and there is nothing worse than a rich woman not spending during a recession. Couture should be Unesco protected!

DD: Do you have a muse?
Giambattista Valli: Bianca Brandolini! She is my biggest critic, every time I design anything, I always keep her in mind, think what she’ll think of it – although she never says anything bad, I have to think of her.