Famous Italian fashion house “Valentino” dedicated it’s theatrical Fall 2016 Haute Couture Collection to William Shakespeare – as it is the 400th anniversary of his death.
Both designers of the fashion house – Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri – are Italians and their cultural surroundings deeply inspired their Renaissance themed Haute Couture collection. Furthermore, many Shakespeare’s works are set in fantasy Renaissance Italy. Every of 61 looks demonstrated key details of Elizabethan time – pearls, draped chiffons, opulent gowns, delicate embroideries, high collars, puffed sleeves, riding boots and brocade capes.
An important detail is a hairstyle – it was parted and model’s faces were framed by tiny bits of gold wires. The Shakespearean theme was evident also in the choice of a soundtrack. Craig Armstrong’s instrumental version of “Kissing You” from famous Baz Luhrmann’s film “Romeo + Juliet” was playing during the second half of the show. The show closed with a dramatically oversized cape in the legendary colour of “Valentino’s red”, designed for “La Traviata”.
This was the final collection made by the famous Italian creative duo – they have been working together for more than 7 years – as Chiuri left Valentino for Dior. That, and, of course, the prominent name of the brand itself, were the reasons why this Haute Couture runway was so spectacular.
