Valentino Alta Moda – Women’s Fashion Fall/Winter 06-07 High Fashion

There is always a bit of a conflict, show the Pret a Porter line or the High Fashion designs. This becomes even more difficult when the subject is one of the greatest of Italian Fashion. Valentino’s designs this year of both lines are unique and timeless. It would be a shame not to present one or the other. Valentino’s High Fashion line is inspired by epic Russian Folklore costumes. Adding a bit of a contemporary flair and the Valentino touch and these outfits become a perfect addition to any wardrobe. It may be that the fashion conscious will be able to identify this year’s designs in the coming years but that is not a reason to take a close look at the line.

Valentino toned down the Marie Antoinette influenced Russian Czar period design, eliminating the ruffles and puffs, changing the basic fabrics to Satin, Silk, and Lace. Valentino created a line that can be worn by the 20 something grad at her first job to the forty plus top manager who has arrived and knows it. These outfits are aggressive yet feminine and all are discretely provocative. I imagine the Black Widow, Mata Hari, and Jacqueline Onassis wearing these outfits. They are sexy while maintaining the appropriate décor of formal occasions.

Each line has something for everyone. Most do not consider High Fashion for the work environment but this is the rule in Italy. It depends on the type of company but generally if you work for a well-established company then you can and sometimes should wear High Fashion. The rule is clean lines and not outlandish, inside these rules just about anything goes. The dresses I consider most appropriate for the workplace range from the black widow to work killer II.The more formal occasions such as business meetings, PR outings or cocktails after work are covered with the black line. The designs are still clean but flaring skirts may be a bit difficult sitting behind a desk. When the occasion is up on the feet these are perfect. Formal, business minded, clean lines yet just enough improvisation to say this is a special occasion.
Formal occasions such as a night at the opera or a wedding are amply covered by the white satin and lace and white velvet designs. If you are going to a wedding and want to make an impression that everyone will remember, even the bride for outdoing her outfit, then any of these will do. They are grace and style. Formal to the hilt.

Finally we have my favorites. These are the ones I would choose for Raffaella. I find them intriguing, full of grace, class and style. They are provocative. They say to me, “Come and fight for me! I am worth it.”

Tags: Winter Fashion Valentino Women's Fashion Italian Fasion Travel Italy