Simply Abu Dhabi XXVII

1 2 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Valentino Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino's Creative Director, styled his autumn/winter 2017/18 haute couture collection according to the essence of haute couture itself. The collection is a tribute to the tailors who work day and night to create the magic of haute couture. And since the very term is so sacred in fashion, because by definition it is unique, Pierpaolo Piccioli took it literally and pushed the limits by creating a liturgical wardrobe for ultra- wealthy haute couture clients. On the runway walked models who looked like priestesses wearing clothes recalling clergy robes, such as hooded capes. These ecumenical-looking creations were matched with hammered metal bags with enamel mosaic details in the shapes of animal heads that symbolised the seven deadly sins – a collaboration with Japanese artist Harumi Klossowska. “I always loved cinema and during my adolescence I dreamed of becoming a film director. When I discovered fashion and its narrative power, I decided to become a designer. For me it represented the natural evolution of a dream” Piccioli says. Looking close at the dresses it was possible to see the incredible craftsmanship behind the simplest capes or trousers. The message seems to be that haute couture is in the blood of the one who buys and wears it, and that the most basic things – like a turtleneck mixed with a shirt and a tunic, or trousers and a cape – can produce something unique. While the collection focused on daywear, we still saw ball gowns and evening wear which was as magical as ever, and which embodied an authentic sense of classicism.