SITUATED in the spacious and airy venue of the Grand Palais, Valentino reveals their SS20 collection at Paris Fashion Week. The teaser for the collection came from with the invitation printed on the painting Floating Islands by Roger Dean. The English artist’s exploration of a futuristic paradises focuses on familiar motifs of bridges, paths, dragons – all in Dean’s familiar dreamy pastel colour palette. Dean’s inspiration for the collection extends past the use of Floating Islands for the show invitation, but is repeatedly referenced by designer Pierpaolo Piccioli as a springboard for the brand’s own dreaminess.
Psychadelic purple and green prints featuring dragons and plant motifs splash across button up shirts and lightweight sweaters. Long flowing trench coats are extended, highlighting the fabrics movement and lightness.
Trousers are tapered and ankle-length, as a pop of colour a bright racing stripe is featured on the side. Paired with short-sleeve button downs with billowing sleeves, the oversized shirts are cinched at the waist by belts with the signature Valentino logo.
Structured denim-on-denim shows influences from the sixties showcasing playfully long floor-length fringe. Oversized tunics act as another period piece inspiration with beaded patterns and designs framing the collars.
Accessories-wise, Valentino does not disappoint. Bucket hats are consistently matched and colour-coordinated with their looks, some are even printed with Dean’s paintings while neon satchels and handbags add eye-catching pops of colour.
by Mirabella Shahidullah