Valentino Womenswear S/S11

The Valentino girl for the season is described as being "magical, elusive and destabilising". Yet, destabilising is definitely far-removed from the delicate and romantic dresses on display for S/S 11. The demure dress is realised in as many delicate textures as possible that will have Valentino's new-found set of younger fans clamouring for their unabashed girliness. Layers of chantilly lace, tiny ditzy flowers and polka dots appliqued on chiffon, organza and tulle (or anything that made for sheer layers) were all employed along with the house code of the elegant ruffle which adorned the modern 3/4 length sleeve and down tiers of dresses. Flou and frou were the key words of the collection, which were further emphasised by the colours of ivory, cinnamon (a recurring colour for the season) and warm coral as well as black layered over nude. Valentino himself gave the seal of approval as he stood up to applaud the duo's latest offerings that manages to move the aesthetic forward whilst retaining the essence of Valentino - FYI, Valentino red does make one sole appearance in a long chiffon gown with vertical ruffles.