Initial reaction:
Old school, upscale pyjama party for the boy with a nonconformist streak. Printed silk came in billowing silhouettes, whilst classic Valentino elegance was combined a little rebelliously with a very undone sensibility. Wool jumpers were baggy, rubber pool slides were styled with button-down shirts, and a suit came reimagined entirely in camo.
Devil in the detail:
Prints prints prints. Decadent and incredibly detailed, the collection was driven by them, from florals and dandelions to stars and animals. Whilst certainly playful, the opulent fabrics gave garments a refined edge, as did the attention detail – like the beautiful embroidered butterflies covering jackets and coats. Models wore pins on their collars, faces shaped from thick gold wire with jewels for eyes – a little fun and frivolous yes, but at Valentino even the badges exuded craftsmanship.
Stand out look:
The seventies are officially back, and we can now add Valentino to the list of designers to thank for the revival happening for SS15 (Topman Design and Katie Eary being other notable names). The house sent out two brilliantly executed wide-collared suede jackets in khaki and burnt orange, covered with studs and trippy flower appliqués. If Hendrix were alive today...
For SS14, military references fused with tailoring, utilitarianism joining forces with combat. See it below:
