Valentino Haute Couture fall/winter 2009

So happy with this Valetino collection, designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli , which happen to be the house's former accessories designers are definitely taking Valentino in a totally new direction. Their past Haute Couture collection debut was quite stiff, and seemed to be just another renaissance of the house's past, nothing very innovative about it.
But for this collection of fall Couture, we saw a much bolder youthfulness, which really was part of what the founder wanted to get into with Valentino .
With what Piccoli called, A story of shadows, the collection featured leggy dresses and miniskirts
which came with ruffles, lace, in shades of blacks. Nude was also heavily seen, and looked amazing when paired with a few black numbers.
The headpieces with extravagant organza e volume some models wore were amazing.
I really love the new grounds Valentino is headed towards.
Although I must admit, it is quite awkward seeing a Valentino collection without a single hint of red.

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PFW: Valentino Fall/Winter 2009

After the retirement of Valentino, Alessandra Facchinetti took his place, but soon after left. Now who took the house's design realm is actually a pair of accessories geniuses turned full time high end fashion designers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. The two were actually former accessories designers under Mr. Valentino. Aware of the house's archives and the true spirit of Valentino, they evoked what the house has always been recognized for, ladylike sensibility.
The collection took off in a group of refined polite dresses, in a array of colors that included acid yellow, red, emerald green, and black. Which were seamed and cut in a very precise, interesting fashion. Coats possessed deep fox fur cuffs, and aesthetic nature print or crystal embellished as decoration. Worn with trousers was a bejeweled camel cardigan and a long ombréd mink fur vest. This collection was everything but plain.
Draped-bodice gowns were featured for evening, which came in marigold, black, wine, turquoise and a sea blue. The designers are definitely moving forward, and aiming to attract all types of women. Especially in the younger age group.
Models wore their hair down, with a flawless face and light sultry make-up.

Valentino Spring/Summer 2009 Haute Couture

So There it is, Alessandra Facchinetti , former creative director for the house of Valentino left apparently due to clashes over design direction and production costs. Her design's price range increased, and with the increase, came less buyers. The designer has previously worked for Gucci and Moncler, her departure was confirmed by the company who cited "a misaligned vision with the company."

She will be replaced by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli who have been designing accessories alongside founder Valentino Garavani for ten years. ( curious isn't it?) The duo will become creative directors for all categories of the design house.

Their first collection after receiving the title as creative directors was of course, the S/S 2009 Haute Couture collection of today.

The first two things I instantly noticed was that Alessandra's signature heavy embellishments & embroidery were not too present. Embellishment was used in this collection, but it wasn't as present. And was in a lighter, more delicate fashion. Also I see a lot more of the house's signature red pieces. Alessandra when she was designer, did not incorporate a lot of red into her collections. This collection had some very rich colors, like the amazing Plum dress Tanya wore. I also loved the use of feathers in some dresses. It's clear that Maria & Pier captured much more of the Valentino essence then Alessandra did, yet still kept the collection very much their own. I'm sure they're there to stay. Don't get me wrong, I did like Alessandra Facchinetti's work, and she definitely delivers, I just think she wasn't right for the house of Valentino.

Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri

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