PARIS, Jul 6, 2006/ FW/ --- With Russia as the latest hotbed for fashion, Valentino looked towards the former member of the now defunct Soviet Union for inspiration for Fall 2006. After all, the court of the tsars was comparable to the beauty and luxury as the one in Versailles.

The opening number, a traveling coat in black delicately embroidered in silver raised the bar on opulence, as tiny details of iconic Russian designs were reproduced.

Emphasizing the shoulders and waist, Valentino opted for taut bodices that languidly flared into bias or gathered skirts.

Using fur sparingly, they were used as trims on boleros and coats but ostrich feathers were used liberally on a skirt.

And though this was a fall / winter collection, flowers made an appearance into a tube gown that softly draped the model’s body showing a delicateness and sweetness among the sophisticated looks that dominated the collection.

In fact, there is an airy and light feeling in the collection, anathema to the expected heaviness of traditional Russian costumes.

And, that is the magic of Valentino. He can borrow from tradition, but, under his masterful hands, he makes it his own, putting on his signature style and aesthetics.

The collection cannot be said to be derivative of anything. It has all the Valentino DNA, the one we always expect from the Italian couturier.

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino