|
Valentino: Time-Honored Elegance
By: Marian Faddis
Photos by Gruber-FWD
Paris, Jul 11, 2002/ FWD/ --- Paradigmatic elegance and sophistication are Valentino's
strengths.
As proven by today's show, those debonair muscles are still pumping iron.
As usual, the seats were filled with the stately women of society, both young and old.
Cornelia Guest, Marjorie Gubelman and Paris and Nicky Hilton were all front row.
French model turned actress Ines Sartre and the gorgeous Gwyneth Paltrow were in attendance
as well.
While the cameras clicked away at the poised Paltrow, she pulled out her camera and
snapped some shots too.
Puff Daddy et al arrived midway through and caused a slight commotion.
Although fashion shows are notoriously late, one must admit that arriving one hour late is
not quite the thing to do.
The utterly feminine collection started out strong with a series of luscious tapestry jackets.
Trimmed with fur, they underlined Valentino's lack of practicality and love of extravagance
and material splendor.
One of the most striking pieces was a black leather jacket embossed and bejeweled by
antique pearls and beads that burst with color.
The Far East, Middle East and Africa were influential in this ethnic collection, as were
exotic animals: serpents, giraffes, tigers, leopards and crocodiles to name a few.
Then Valentino changed gears with his suits, using mostly black, red and white.
Chinese necks, fluted sleeves and slim and slinky lines livened up the extraordinarily
well-cut ensembles.
Eveningwear brought a return to the meticulous patterns and fragrant colors.
Valentino describes women to be slithering serpents, although they seemed more like
sublimely skilled charmers.
Chiffon, sequins, mesh and lace layered and embellished eveningwear -- some pieces were
adorned with more than 80 shades of sparkling stones.
Flowing capes added the elegance and grace that are synonymous with the Valentino name.
Snake belts and Victorian chokers wrapped and writhed perfectly around the models'
necks and wastes, and nylons with a snake embroidered on the ankle were a devilish touch.
Valentino knows his clients well.
They are high maintenance, highly refined and don't bat an eyelash at the high prices.
And once again, they will be highly pleased.
|
