Valentino: Marlene Dietrich’s Allure & Glamour
By Mari Davis
Photos by Javier Mateo

PARIS, Mar 7, 2004/ FW/ --- Roman designer Valentino chose one of fashion’s most glamorous icon, Marlene Dietrich as his inspiration for Fall 2004, one of his strongest collections seen in recent seasons.

In a season where ruffles and ribbons are the biggest trends, Valentino chose to differ by sending seductive women in masculine tailoring with body hugging skirts paired with mannish shirts and plush velvet ties.

The silhouette was slim and linear with the snug fur jackets and cigarette pants as the master designer also took inspiration from the works of the late photographer Helmut Newton.

Outstanding looks include a hounds tooth below-the-knee coat with wide lapels and a diamond brooch as closure. Paired with a white man’s shirt and black velvet tie and accessorized with black zigzag printed hose and silver & white mini-bag, the total look is contemporary and modern.

With slick hair, red lipstick and usually wearing sunglasses, the models carried the spirit of Marlene Dietrich.

For evening, Valentino decided to go for the vamp look. Leopard print cashmere sweaters with a fur bolero and navel-baring crocheted metallic gold yarn with fur trim as collars reveal triangular bra inserts.

The main color palette is black and white, and Valentino used it in a long black ruffles layered floor length skirt paired with a white cowl neckline top. A lacy bustier and white fur bolero completed the ensemble.

He did not forget his signature colors either. Old rose, red, and eggplant purple graced the runways in form of sexy and curvaceous gowns.

Trust Valentino to come out with a stand out collection everytime!

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino