Expressing Africa Through Couture Craftsmanship

In July, Valentino's haute couture collection was held not in Paris, but in Rome. The aim was to showcase the brand's roots, its history in Rome, and all its inspirations on the runway. The subsequent Spring/Summer 2016 ready-to-wear collection, leaving Rome behind, turned towards Africa. The wild, ethnic imagery of Africa was expressed through the art of couture.



Silk patchwork dresses, unified in earthy tones of brown, khaki, black, and ebony, were designed with strong, straight lines. Necklaces and ornamental motifs were embroidered, adorning the necklines of the dresses as accessories. Simple dresses featured primitive details such as mosaic embroidery and raffia fringe. Mask motifs appeared on various items. A mini dress, featuring a mask rendered in leather and lace with stud accents, was both bold and delicate. The mask motif was also used on chokers, the vamps of sandals, bracelets, and bags. Dresses crafted from woven leather and layered suede fringe were made with delicate cuts that hugged the body.

Has there ever been a collection that expressed Africa with such elegance?



The finale dresses, in a nude color reminiscent of body paint with white embroidery, were overwhelming in their transparency and depth. White terracotta high jewelry, a collaboration with artist Alessandro Gaggio, served as an accent. This collection fused the untamed allure of Africa with artistic sophistication. The handmade techniques seemed to convey a sense of crisis regarding modern individuals who have lost their individuality in an increasingly digitized world.