Valentino: Light As A Butterfly
By Mari Davis
(Photo by Javier Mateo)
PARIS, Oct 11, 2003/ FW/ --- "I want these clothes to make a woman feel as though she is wearing nothing at all," quoted Roman master designer Valentino on his show notes.
And that was what he gave his audience this morning at Le Carrousel du Louvre – light and airy clothes, as beautiful and graceful as the butterflies that inspired them.
Butterflies were everywhere – from the prints that adorned the skimpy swimsuits to the beaded dress worn by Maria Carla.
They alit on the sleeves of gowns while some found their way on shoe straps. The more daring ones landed on the model’s hair and some became dangling earrings.
Even their pupa was everywhere – as charm on a necklace like what Naomi Campbell was wearing to adorn her flowing aquamarine gown or clasps on handbags.
Maybe it was the flowers that attracted the butterflies. Valentino also sent a flower garden on the runway, via floral prints, as design on the lace or beaded.
He also sent the sun, via the glittery Swarovski crystals encrusted in the gowns.
It was truly springtime, Valentino style.
And the audience was mesmerized! They gave Valentino a deafening applause.
And the Japanese contingent among the audience was all smiles. I believe they just found what they were looking for in this collection.
According to eastern legends, butterflies carry the souls of departed loved ones. From the same legends, it is said that when a butterfly visits your garden, a departed ancestor is the one who is actually visiting and will bring good luck to the household.
With Asia becoming a very important market for luxury goods, the butterflies might have brought Valentino good luck, like the legend says.
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