Giambattista Valli collection at Paris Couture Week 2018 is fit for a princess

The runway was filled with frothy fairytale creations, says Emma McCarthy
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Emma McCarthy23 January 2018

Those who prefer their couture extravagant and their ballgowns fit for a princess were not left disappointed by Giambattista Valli’s latest showcase.

The Italian designer, whose name has become synonymous with frothy fairytale confections, brought the first day of Paris’s couture fashion week to dramatic close with a series of maximalist, multi-layered dressing options for evening - each more opulent than the last.

From airy draped silk chiffon lavished with crystal bows to mille-feuille tiered embroidered tulle, these were gowns designed for when standing out from the crowd isn’t just a fleeting fancy but a requirement.

This is precisely why Valli has long been a go-to among the A-list’s most daring red carpet regulars, with the likes of Rihanna, Emma Stone and Lupita Nyong’o all calling upon his skills as a couturier to secure their spot on the top of best dressed lists.

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Clearly keen to court Hollywood’s freshest crop of new faces, attire designed with a youthful super-rich customer in mind also played a starring role in last night’s showcase.

Cocktail dresses in micro mini lengths were cut from leather and lace or came shimmering with tiny crystal daisies, while a macrame tunic and trouser cocktail ensemble was trimmed with ostrich feathers.

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Mullet dresses - sawn short at the front and left long at the back - are also a Valli calling card with waterfall ruffle organza, adorned with rose bud appliqué, featuring cascading trains.

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But the stars of the show were undoubtedly the three voluminous, powder-puff fancies in fondant shades of peach, lime and sugarplum-pink which provided the show’s finale and served as the frosting on an otherwise deliciously decadent cake.

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