Valentino: The Triumph of The Trompe L’Oeil
By: Mari Davis
Photos by FW

PARIS, Jul 7, 2005/ FW/ --- Valentino, the quintessential grand couturier and favorite of the fabulously wealthy and royalties of Europe came out triumphant last night at the Theatre National de Chaillot after presenting a deluxe collection that ‘blended all the legends of haute couture with all its delicate techniques.’

With a gigantic trompe l’oel embroidered bow as backdrop, Valentino sent out imagery and beauty, captured in the cuts and prints of the garment, the woman becoming a fantasy in your mind’s eye, yet real and warm blooded.

Cascading crystal jet and topaz held by delicately woven strips of fabrics, airy embroidery that is soft to the touch, regally beaded crystals and ethereal bows – artistry on their own right, but in Valentino’s masterful hands, they became celebrated beauties, worthy of more than just a second look.

For those of us who knows Valentino’s style very well, these things are expected because season after season, the Roman designer has never disappointed his clientele or audience.

For those who are haute couture novices, they say, “This is what haute couture is.” And they are right, because it’s not only the dress and the elaborate embroidery that haute couture legends are made of.

Most of all, it is the artistry of the designer, and Valentino has captured it all with the gold medallion grace coats, the velvet edge formal evening gown, the tulle spirals that become delicate flowers.

It’s the way the clothes drape luxuriously on the model’s body; the fur trims on the collar, the knots that become bows making a perfect silhouette.

The Theatre National de Chaillot was full capacity; there was no room to spare at the photographer’s pit. When Valentino came out to take his bow, he received a standing ovation.

As for the photographers who usually start packing up at that point, they stayed in their places, capturing that triumphant moment again and again.

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino