Valentino Spring 2019 - Runway Review
September 30, 2018
The Hotel des Invalides, long a popular choice of venue for designers for its ornate proportions, saw Valentino's Pierpaolo Piccioli opt not for the grandeur but, rather, the conservatory of cacti, succulents and exotic plants that set the scene for the spring show. If this collection did anything, it was perfect the art of the surprise.
Starting with a series of lugubrious black gowns (pale-toned Kristen McMenamy opened the show in a bustier taffeta number with puff sleeves), the collection morphed into an explosion of color in the form of sequined and feathered chiffon, silk and tulle dresses. Helping ground the fairytale-like designers were accessories including feathered slides, raffia totes, giant straw hats and coppery hoop earrings.
