RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Giambattista Valli Couture S/S 2012

A Lesson in Couture...

Flou Couture: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012

Only one season after showing his first ever Haute Couture collection, and designer Giambattista Valli has finally achieved the "Couture Stamp of Approval" from the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Coutuire Parisienne and is now the "one to watch out for". He has certainly shot up to the "Head of the Couture Class", especially since last season's collection was such a hit--with both editors, fashion critics, as well as the well-healed clients. Speaking of clients:

Valli Girls: Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco, Sarah Jessica Parker

Who can forget how GORGEOUS Princess Caroline of Hanover's daughter, Charlotte Casiraghi, looked in that baby blue Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown (bought not borrowed!!!) at her uncle's Monaco Royal Wedding--almost stealing the spotlight from Princess Charlene. And Sarah Jessica Parker in the same Haute Couture gown but different color (it was the runway sample!). And of course, there's Spanish aristocrat/Fashion Doyenne Nati Abascal, who has worn Giambattista Valli Haute Couture (photo above) and... Even Laura Vecina, now Duchess of Feria got married to one of Nati's beautiful sons in a Custom Giambattista Haute Couture design (above photo). Now that we've gotten the clients out of the way, let's talk about his new Haute Couture collection for Spring/Summer 2012.

Luncheon or Cocktails? Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012

Yesterday, he showed his Spring 2012 Haute Couture collection, and from the photos, it was a "Return to the Classical Couture". Seeing every exit/look made me think: "We've found the Heir to Valentino, Ungaro and Yves Saint Laurent!" The clothes were sublimely elegant, restrained yet modern. No tricks, not so many "bells" or whistles, but just beautiful well-made clothes destined for the aristocrats of Europe and South America. While Donatella's Atelier Versace has "Girlfriend of a Russian Arms Dealer Billionaire" written all over it...Valli's client is well, more Victoria Crown Princess of Sweden and Sheikha Mozah of Qatar.

Bow-licious: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012

Colors ranged from pure white, silver gray, deep black and shots of fuchsia, pink, magenta and red. There were lots of prints, from delicate stripes to exuberant water-colored flowers. Fabrications were luxurious (Hello? It's Haute Couture!): hand-embroidered laces from Switzerland, French silks, and crocodile skin.

LBD: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012

Shapes were Lady-like, chic and perfect for those aforementioned aristocrat and royal clients. Strapless ball gowns, one-shouldered dresses a la Ungaro (where Valli once designed) and sleeveless sheaths were standouts. Bows were the "Star" detail, much like in the Christian Dior Haute Couture collection. Here are some more photos from the collection:

Royal Wedding Guest: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012

Where's My Chauffeur? Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012