Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week--Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012--Pics + Runway Video!

Flower and Ruffle Power!

Alta Moda Ruffles: Designer Giambattista Valli (center) with two of his Roman Alta Moda-inspired designs, Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Continuing with Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 Fashion Week, designer Giambattista Valli showed his collection. Battista, known for his volants and prints, didn't disappoint on both counts. Ruffles exploded with grand exuberance in dresses, coats, gowns--you name it, they were there. The collection--based on fairies, nymphs, and a whimsical garden of COUTURE, featured flower prints in every variation that it almost made me forget that this was a FALL/WINTER Collection--as opposed to Spring/Summer.This seems to be a trend for this season!

 Peplum Couture: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

You want PEPLUM? Huuuuney, Giambattista SERVED you PEPLUM--folded in what seemed like TEN layers(see far left and second-to-the-right photos above). Lord knows how those petite main COUTURE seamstresses fit all those layers into waist seams but they did it without a semblance of bulk (a masterful achievement indeed, trust me!). Many a cocktail dress and gown to satisfy all the multimillionaire ladies who order and buy these $100,000+ pieces, as well as those Cannes-and-Hollywood actresses who will borrow these dresses for a red carpet appearance worthy of all those flower prints and over-the-top ruffles.

Flower Power: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

50's Eleganza: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

In my opinion, so far, this is one of my favorite collections of Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 Fashion Week. Every piece was more incredible than the other. Each was a clear representation of what Haute Couture is and reminded me of those 1950's and 1960's heydays of Roman Alta Moda, which obviously influenced the designer a lot. I was literally SHAKING as I viewed every photo. I love it when fashion does that to me. Grazie mille Giambattista.

Pouf: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Flora and Fauna Details: Check out those netting masks covering the delicately beautiful model's faces--some highlighted with butterflies. The oversized lady bug arm cuffs and twig-like belts--all in gold were OUT of CONTROL! From head to toe, these were Grand Couture Nymph Fairies waiting for a fabulous party to attend!


Click Below for the Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 Runway Video (edited):

18th Annual SAG Awards: Who Wore What? Natalie Portman in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012

Natalie Portman in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012: Natalie chose a dress hot off the Haute Couture Runway for this years SAG Awards. This dress has already racked up more Frequent Flier Miles then most of us this year!

Giambattista Valli is one of the hottest Couturiers at the moment and you can see why Natalie would be drawn to this stand-out collection. But this Deep Aubergine Chiffon Strapless Gown with Bust Bow Detail is a bit overwhelming for her petite frame. Besides the color being a slightly drab the bow detail is a bit much on her. It works for the 6'0" tall model, but not so much on Natalie.

Let me know what you think?!!

Runway Report: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 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