Daily Front Row

2009 October 7

Valentino - Paris Spring 2010

Comments | | Print

Valentino Spring 2010
View Gallery

(PARIS) Are there new designers at Valentino again? Something happened to Maria Grazia Chirui and Pier Paolo Piccioli this summer around couture time, when they moved away from that classic jacket-with-a-sequin-button formula and adopted a goth-tinged romanticism. The couture show signaled that this brand is headed in a new direction, and that sentiment was indulged in ready-to-wear as well. While at times all that beading and ruffling felt a bit fussy, there were plenty of simple chiffon evening dresses in the most flattering mini length that will prove successful with Valentino fans both developed and new. The mostly-nude palette was plenty sophisticated, and it worked best in the leaner silhouettes like a loose metallic lace tunic. Evening shorts were another novel idea; same with extensively feathered sandals. While the collection was a bit light on daywear, the evening offerings had plenty of frippery to chose from.