It's near enough Autumn now and a change of season means that it's time for the only blog post I seem to do anymore (yes, it really has been eight months and yes, I honestly will try harder!)
There was one show this season that was by far, the most breathtaking and that show was Valentino. When a show has 67 looks in it, there has to be some diversity so that it doesn't appear boring and this was achieved whilst still flowing as a collection. Mixing simple shift dresses with ornate evening gowns and a muted colour palette of monochrome, red and greyish blues combined with shots of understated florals made for an effortlessly attained balance that complimented each side by side look. Four images just wouldn't do this show justice! The simple black dress was evident in every shape but transformed with leather laser cut collars, sheer panels and an oversized scalloped edging. Brights stood out all the more due their rarity but never overpowered the rest of the show because the shapes were so simple. Schoolgirl braids and floors replicating a school hall freshened the collection and confirmed the uniform theme and that leather duffel; yes please!
In contrast, Elie Saab was dark and full of attitude but still managed to maintain elegance and beauty. The gowns lifted the collection in jewel tones while the daywear was strict and tailored in black and navy. Demure silhouettes were made daring and sultry by adding sheer and lace panels and strategically placed embellishments, while everything was feminised with pencil thin belts at the waist and corsetry style piping. The drama then had to come from the super smokey eye makeup and slicked back, loose hair alongside the midnight blue runway.