SIMPLE SOPHISTICATE
Paris: Giambattista Valli usually traverses boldly youthful territory full of slashed hemlines and ruffled volume, providing plenty of party wear to his growing fan base. But in a refreshing turn, Valli took a more demure and intellectual track for F/W 12, trying out menswear influences as well as sophisticated dress silhouettes. Dimensional tweeds were given slouchy new life as relaxed tapered trousers, while chunky black and white sweaters mingled with checkered suiting and boxy jackets. On the feminine front, cotton shirtdresses hit at the knee and featured textured tonal trim, molded hourglass bouclé sheaths came with faux-corsets, and full pleated skirts added movement throughout. Valli closed the relatively serene collection with a series of bright and graphic ensembles which used a striped motif more successful for simple matched sets than floor-length gowns.—Nina Stotler
Silhouette: Fitted / A-line / Slim / Tapered / Hourglass / Relaxed / Full
Color: Black / White / Heather grey / Crimson / Cream / Tangerine / Rust / Gold
Key Items: Cardigans / Leggings / Knit sheath dresses / Tapered trousers / Boxy jackets / Swing coats / Shirt dresses / Fur skirts / Matched sets / Metallic leather coats / Cropped tunics / Full-skirted dresses
Materials: Fur / Cashmere / Intarsia knits / Chiffon / Felt / Tweed / Satin / Cotton / Crocodile embossed leather / Bouclé
Print + Pattern: Checks / Dot repeats / Graphic woven patterns / Stripes / Geometrics
Details + Trim: Braiding / Contrast collars / Sheer panels / Contrast trim / Pleated shoulder details / Self belts / Fur trim / Bows / Sheer sleeves
Accessories + Footwear: Wide belts / Platform pumps / Slip-on loafers
