“We’ll always have Paris” might not only be a famous line from Casablanca, but a line that translates well to “We’ll always have Valentino”. Because as the seasons passes and designers reaches new highs and lows, Valentino remains consistent of quality in terms of design aesthetic. Fall 2017 might not have been the brand’s strongest collection, but surely one to embrace. If not for the sake of giving credit to a long lasting brand that always delivers. See full collection here.
(Pic CC0 1.0)
Details: Valentino
Valentino is the Italian fashion brand by Valentino Garavani. Founded in 1960, the fashion house is considered to be in the top of Italian fashion designers (although it shows in Paris). The design aesthetic is centered to lace, tulle, femininity, romanticism and dresses. The creative director is Pierpaolo Piccioli (a position he for long shared with Maria Grazia Chiuri that’s now at Dior).
Valentino Fall 2017
As always, Piccioli kept the aesthetic of the brand close to the heart of the collection. With dresses more or less being the one style of clothing piece and lace, tulle, flowy fabrics and pleated details carrying the torch. One style in specific that Valentino has done a lot of in late years is a dress with a high neck and the rest of the fabric being loose, a bit oversized, sometimes a marked waist but definitely flowy nevertheless. This style is used often in this collection, with color, details and prints differing the main principle from one another.
The color scale went mainly in black and white, but also some blush colored pieces as well as pink, mint blue and red. Valentino has earlier favored the play of geometry and prints, something that was present in this collection (as in this look where flowers are framed by stripes and the structure of the dress). Some looks differs from Valentino’s normal design (even though the fashion brand has done a few of those elements before), with a play of postmodern art with a touch of surrealism, (kind of). The prints are many with distinct differences. From this romantic look of flowers to this one of geometry, and as mentioned, the looks of postmodern art. All the looks are quite covering in terms of the maxi length of the dresses as well as the high boots and for most part long arms. Perhaps a necessary move to balance the sheer fabrics, lace and see-through.
Thoughts On The Collection
If I talked about the Cheerleader effect in Mulberry, this collection is kind of the opposite. The collection is less coherent than earlier ones. Instead of having a story told from start to finish, it feels more like a display of different looks that are strong within their specific element. If one is to pull off postmodern art motives, they are done with justice in this collection. If one is to play with the romantic nature of flowers, it’s done here as well. Same goes for boho chic, it’s done with a touch of elegance and sophistication. With that said though, the collection looks quite divided when one sees the whole picture, but pairing the themes together shows quite the opposite. A somewhat struggling collection that is backed up with the individual looks. The opposite of the Cheerleader effect that is.
Valentino has a high grade of likeability as lace, flowers and a flattering silhouette often goes a long way. The last four looks are a great example of this and will surely be worn on the red carpet, if they haven’t already. There’s something delicate with the contrast of geometric patterns and tender fabrics as lace and tulle. The looks featuring motives of art are perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea but a refreshing perspective with all the “subtle” looks Valentino usually pulls off. The colors are distinct, the lines of the prints are clear and they are a welcoming contrast. One look in specific, this one, is genius as it finds a balance between wearability and fashion statement. The other ones are not too bad, but more cases of potential than success.
There are some subtle elements of the 1980s with color choices of mint blue, light purple, slight emphasis on the shoulders and the choice of a silky fabric. They are neither hits or miss but are landing somewhere between likeable and forgettable. The black looks with floral patterns are not bad at all, the style of the flowers feels like a forest in a fairy tale. For this look in specific, the placement and color levels of the flowers creates a V-shaped pattern - something that shows Piccioli’s fine eye for the mix of geometry and shapes of nature.
Lastly
So, was this collection a hit? No, the lack of coherency and clear vision is interfering with the overall impression. A miss then? Not that either, the individual looks are keeping the collection alive with excellency within the specific style for the theme. It will probably not be remembered in some years time, but this might also be a transition period for something new at Valentino. If Piccioli chooses to develop the looks of art, he might have found something new to make the most of. With that said though, there are still many looks in this collection I’d love to wear, like hello gorgeous.
Folks! What are your thoughts on Valentino Fall 2017? Leave a comment below!


Wonderful! I love this Valentino collection!
Right? It’s so so pretty! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
The first bit is so accurate omg. Valentino is always guaranteed to be lovely. I’m still not completely in love with the new direction of the brand, but this collection has helped me get a bit closer. I agree, the collection with a whole isn’t as cohesive as past collections, but I feel like the idea of a bold “theme” isn’t really there anymore. There were still so many individual looks though. I still want to many Valentino dresses!
I hope you have a wonderful week Mia!
Amber - amberelb.com
Hahah right? We’ll always have Valentino to count on! Yes we’ll see where Valentino decides to end up. I give it the fall collection too and then I’ll see if I’m ready to embrace the new direction, lol! Same babe! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Implausible PFW!!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: PFW STREET STYLE BEST OUTIFTS OCTOBER 2017
So true!! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Absolutely loved all these collections especially Valentino! So delicate and beautiful
Mary Lee
So pretty right?! Lovely details! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This collection is so beautiful, I love the floral one
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
The floral one is gorgeous indeed! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I’m loving these new slideshows you added to showcase designer collections! I agree with you that each piece looked sooo different from each other and there wasn’t a cohesive theme. However, there were some very drool worthy outfits!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
I’ve done them for quite some time, but glad you’ve discovered them haha! So true, some pieces are just gorgeous! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Valentino always has the best of the best, those colors and prints are adorable!
Camila,
My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com
Indeed, so many lovely pieces individually! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
It really did seem like a disconnected collection. There are pieces I love (like the first black dress) but they are few and far between.
Yes, it was not so cohesive. But definitely some gems! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Oh Valentino. If only I had a place to wear a gown as stunning as one from Valentino. I definitely don’t mind that the collection isn’t very cohesive as the pieces, like you mention, stand out on their own. The first black gown is utterly stunning! Is it sad that I’m kinda excited for Spring/Summer clothing already? lol!
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
Hahah same here, Valentino is just the dreamiest! And love the black gown, it’s so fierce! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
That second photo - all the heart eyes. I usually love everything Valentino.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Right? So so pretty!! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This collection is so diverse! I love the romantic elements with the lace it just adds chic without saying a word. 🙂
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2017/03/how-bazaar-street-style-accessories.html
So true, it’s a lovely combination! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I definitely agree, nearly all the pieces are absolutely gorgeous and eye catching on their own, but collectively, there isn’t much of a theme or transition, though I do see the inspiration taken from the late 60s and 70s with the color blocking and patchwork detail, as well as the vibrant shades that are reflective of the 80s. It is a bit sporadic. Hmm, I wonder if the idea was to transition from the 60s-90s, as the black pieces do give off a very strong 90s grunge-y vibe? Nonetheless, I’d wear everything, especially that hot pink dress you’ve linked, omg, yes!!!! Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you’re having a great start to your week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Hahah you definitely have a point with that period being reflected in the collection. Still a bit all over the place though, lol! But yes to that hot pink dress, love it! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I actually love this collection but then again, I am oblivious about pretty much everything when it comes to fashion. LOL! I find this collection to be very romantic and wearable and if I have the money for it, I would totally purchase a few pieces.
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
Hahah same here, it just need to be waaay cheaper! But so many pretty pieces! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
although I did like certain pieces in this collection, I do agree that it was rather incohesive.
http://www.prettyinleather.net
It was indeed, but the pieces are lovely! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This is a really interesting collection! I really liked all of the different high-neck tops (and dresses) I was seeing. You’re right, though, overall it doesn’t seem very consistent across the board. As always, thank you for sharing your take on this collection!
Kathryn • simplykk.com
Those looks are so lovely. Fierce and good. But yes, it’s not as consitent as it could be unfortuanetly. Love it nevertheless though, at least for the individual looks! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Nothing really stricked me in this collection. I agree with you it’s either a hit nor miss.
XoXo,
Tamara - LoveofMode.com
Yes, it lands somewhere in between! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I love Valentino, but agree that probably we’ll forget some of these new designs in a few years. That being said, there are a lot of dresses that I would love to wear from the new collection.
xo
http://www.carinavardie.com
Hahah true though, there are some pieces I wouldn’t mind at all! Even though I won’t remember them specifically in a few years! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I love Valentino! Such a dreamy collection indeed! Thanks for sharing!
Happy Monday, babe!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
There were so many great looks! Thank you babe, have a lovely week! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I love the feminine details with long silhouettes, embroidery, florals, lace, and fun sequins!
Right? Such a lovely combination! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I think you hit the nail on the head with your review of the collection. I personally loved it and found it all to be really wearable and beautiful. Have a great Monday. Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thank you love, glad you liked it! There were so many great pieces! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This collection is not my favorite, but I do love the first dress 🙂 And we just watched that movie this weekend 🙂 Such a classic!!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
The first dress is so pretty! Have a lovely week babe! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com