Valentino spring/summer 2013 couture

Inspired by the idea of a bird, the latest Valentino show by co-designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli closed couture week in spectacular style.

A seemingly never-ending show of magnificent gowns in a chic palette of cream, red, black and white filled the majestic catwalk with an uplifting and spring-like air.

Loyal to the classic Valentino silhouette of fitted waists, feminine shapes and long flowing gowns, Grazia and Piccioli also used exquisite detailing and extravagant fabrics. 

Each dress featured a level of artisanal effort only seen in the couture world: from beading and embroidery to piping and layers of fly-away organza. For example, according to the show notes, it took 850 hours to embroider just one of the organza jacket-and-skirt suits.     

Following Valentino's tradition, a series of pimento red dresses in various styles, from low-scooped shoulder dresses to simple bustier gowns, became the focus of the collection. But the show-stopper of the day was a beautiful organza gown, embroidered with butterflies and birds and matched with a striking tulle coat with scrolled black piping (like a cage). According to the notes, it took a mere 500 hours of hand-rolling to produce. 

The show was such a success that Valentino himself left his seat to give the designers a congratulatory kiss.