Despite landing their gowns on a few noteworthy celebrities for various red carpet appearances, it’s no secret that Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli have had trouble finding their footing since taking over the creative reigns at Valentino (speaking of, isn’t it surprising that the design duo have managed to escape the firing rumor mill?)
For Fall 2011, the duo once again didn’t delve very much into classic Valentino references, opting to forgo the house’s signature color, red, completely and go light on the brand’s ever-popular bow and ruffle motifs. The result was a lineup of clean, wearable looks that, while often appealing in their streamlined simplicity, failed to make a memorable impact, something glaringly apparent in the gowns. The drab palette the designers once again opted for this season didn’t help matters.
Chiuri and Piccioli have clearly been trying to take the house in a more youthful direction since taking over two years ago and this season did mark an improvement from past collections that too aggressively pushed sex appeal, especially when it came to the daywear, but one must question whether these designs will truly merit the price they will no doubt be accompanied with when they make their way into stores.
It’s also worth noting that Chiuri and Piccioli’s background is in accessories, making the fact that the handbags and shoes, heavy on dyed exotics this season, weren’t stronger all the more surprising.
Photos: Vincenzo Grillo, IMAXtree.
