Pierpaolo Piccioli's Valentino Spring/Summer 2018 Haute Couture collection was presented on January 24th at the former Rothschild Villa in Paris. While paying homage to the traditional techniques of haute couture, the collection presented a style that was attuned to the modern era. Neither retro nor futuristic, the collection showcased ultra-modern couture with a strong sense of the present. The iconic first look, coordinated with an ostrich feather hat by Philip Treacy, featured a voluminous, draped ball gown paired with workwear-inspired baggy pants and a tank top crafted from hand-woven batten lace. Piccioli has long embraced the concepts of sportswear and workwear in his ready-to-wear collection, and he also perfected a new style with this couture collection. The unexpected color combinations—beige with blue ribbons, purple with mint ribbons—were inspired by the Renaissance painter Pontormo. The styles were influenced by the work of British designer Lucy Duff-Gordon, who is said to have been the first to hold a catwalk show. However, the addition of sporty, masculine, and feminine elements created a completely different style. The botanical-motif gowns and coat dresses were also fresh pieces, showcasing the beauty of their cuts. The collection consisted of 68 looks, each mesmerizingly exquisite. The finale, featuring the aria "Vissi d'arte" from Puccini's "Tosca," drew rapturous applause from the audience.

Courtesy of Valentino