Fall 2007 - Giambattista Valli

There really is much to say, good or bad. One goes to Valli's shows expecting to see a lineup of gorgeous, smart, just-flirty-enough party frocks for all those stunning young ingenues that love to fill up his front row. And yet, there just wasn't enough here to satisfy that expected model. So many stern, black coats! So many frumpy rip-offs! The opening lineup of long, svelte suits is on-trend, but unfortunately came off as less successful than Marc Jacobs' and Miuccia Prada's takes on lengthiness. The finale piece, a fleurette-covered coat of voluminous proportions, while doubtlessly masterful in its construction, comes a good season (or two...or three) too late, something straight from Stefano Pilati at YSL and already reimagined by Jun Takahashi at Undercover. So where was Valli's signature in all this? Caught somewhere between the last ten looks was a selection of origami-bow embellished cocktail looks that were distinctly young and pretty. The brightest shots of color in the last few dresses were really the strongest indication of Valli's signatures at work. Past shows just didn't prepare me for such a seriously drab show, and I just didn't feel all too impressed by what there was to see. Pics to come...