Rebecca Wang at Giambattista Valli A/W Collection Show 05 Mar 2013

Rebecca Wang at Giambattista Valli A/W Collection Show

Giambattista Valli Autumn -Winter 2013/2014 Ready-to-Wear collection show was held at Place Vendôme in Paris on March 4, 2013.

The collection displayed a line of luxury that was both chic and easy. The ice themed show featured ladylike silhouettes, unexpected use of fur and plenty of linear layering. Models wore high necks with Grecian metallic skirts or slick cigarette trousers. Streamlined car coats and parkas featured chiffon layered with fur and structured fabrics creating a contrast between heavy and light. The colour palette included snow queen whites interspersed with an explosion of vivid colours and floral and animal prints.

The Italian born designer grew up in Rome but is now based in Paris where he shows his Haute Couture and Ready-to-Wear collections. Valli knew from the age of eight that fashion was his main calling and he has named watercolours by YSL, Grau’s illustrations for Dior and Cocteau’s drawings as his early influences while studying at Rome’s Art College, Accademia di Belle Arti. After joining the European Institute of Designers, and following an illustration course at Central St Martin in London, Valli’s first fashion work was with Cecilia Fanfani, who involved him in the planning of couture shows in Rome. He then joined Roberto Cappucci’s atelier as an assistant, a time he credits for learning the relationship between the atelier and master and the fundamental aspects of colour and volume.

Two years later came the role of overseeing the new Fendissimi line as senior designer. From there he moved to Krizia and in 1997 Valli was appointed art director of fashion for Emanuel Ungaro’s ready to wear collection. 2001 saw him promoted to art director for the rtw, along with the younger Ungaro Fever lines, accessories and licenses. In 2005 Valli introduced an uninhibited collection after starting his own line with licensee Gilmar. His own line launched in 2005 with an aim to create a style based on a line and silhouette. This style was in contrast to the focus on decoration at Ungaro.

While working at Ungaro, Giambattista Valli begun to dress his celebrity friends which had a positive impact on his reputation. Fans of his work include Penelope Cruz, Natalia Vodianova, Jessica Biel (who asked him to design the gown for her wedding in Puglia to Justin Timberlake), Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, and Queen Rania of Jordan. Valli credits early deliveries, reliable quality and a disciplined regard for consumer needs, for the growth of his own brand. 

Rebecca Wang At Giambattista Valli A/W Collection Show 05 Mar 2013