Everyday extravagance – the Valentino way
From bold color to couture-inspired details, the Italian label blurs the boundaries between day and night, bringing a directional edge to your new-season look
There are few fashion houses that enchant and seduce quite like Valentino. From its impassioned signature shade of Valentino vermillion to its extravagant, sweeping gowns and liberal embellishment, each collection conjures pure sartorial escapism – something we could all do with right now.
The finer details can truly transform an outfit, and with a background in accessory design, creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli’s predilection for decoration is unrivalled. When he joined Valentino more than two decades ago, he headed up the accessories line, before his appointment as co-creative director, followed by Piccioli’s ultimate sole tenure since 2016.
Even when he decides to simplify things, Piccioli’s execution is like that of an alchemist. For Resort 2021, the Italian designer brings uncomplicated and languid silhouettes to life with color, pattern and texture. What this means for us is a collection of striking statement pieces with real-world wearability.
Though bold in color, the silk separates are fluid in form – and when styled together, they create mesmerizing combinations. The joyful fuchsia shade of a pair of wide-leg pants pops brilliantly against the moody merlot of the poncho-shaped top, while its gold piqué lining adds a divine shimmering finish as it billows behind you. Accentuate the pants’ ultra-flattering high-waisted silhouette with one of the house’s iconic ‘V’-logo belts.
A classic pencil skirt is enlivened in tactile gold lamé, while a sage-colored silk blouse is festooned with frothy feathers on the cuff. The two together might be something you want to save for a special occasion, but tempered with low-key separates, they are exactly the kind of joyful pieces we can wear now to dial up the drama on our WFH look. Show off the subtle notched ‘V’ logo on the skirt’s waistband by tucking in a simple white T-shirt, and pair the blouse with everyday denim.
Whether you live in the Southern Hemisphere or are prepping your dream-vacation closet, a straw hat is the perfect accessory to complement glamorous daywear, and, fortuitously this season, the label has teamed up with Borsalino – one of the oldest luxury-hat manufacturers in Italy – to create chic fedoras that instantly call to mind breezy beach strolls beneath breathtaking Sicilian sunsets.
“The Italian designer brings uncomplicated and languid silhouettes to life with color, pattern and texture. What this means for us is a collection of striking statement pieces with real-world wearability
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Dreamy, cape-like silhouettes are a house signature, meaning this ivory silk midi dress is the definition of a forever piece that will no doubt become a go-to for important events and extra-special occasions for many years to come. Its demure shape is super-versatile: style it with the house’s iconic stud-embellished stilettos for a look that is subtly sexy, or dress it down with pointed flat sandals. The brand’s highly coveted handbags add a fashion-forward edge and are the perfect finishing touch to this bold yet timeless collection.