Label Lust: Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli is famed for his voluminous frocks, statement heels and a list of clientele that reads like a who's who in fashion, film and music. Victoria Beckham is a fan of his sophisticated shifts, whilst Penelope Cruz, Charlize Theron and Gwyneth Paltrow all know that wearing Valli on the red carpet is guaranteed to land you a spot on best-dressed lists the following day. Valli has acknowledged the importance of dressing celebrities, telling The Independent, 'they are real women, not models. They have real proportions. Some are tall, some art short, some thin, sound roundish.' 

What is exceptional about the Italian Designer, is the way he combines his red carpet appeal, with a dynamic and inventive approach to fashion. Perhaps this is because - despite the seeming modernism of his designs - they are inspired by classical skills. Valli's dream to become a fashion designer was inspired by the watercolours of Yves Saint Laurent and this is evidenced in his collections, for - at the core - you will find sleek, tailored trouser suits and classic evening coats. There is an almost architectural quality to his designs, even his cocktail dresses, with their ruffles and feathers are perfectly sculpted to the female figure. Valli designs, not for the fashion critic, or for his fellow designers, he designs for the woman that wears his clothes, as he, himself confessed, 'it's very important that the woman I design for feels that i had a good time making this dress. I like the idea of dressing women for happy moments'. 

A/W 09

A/W 09

Catwalk Copycat:

• Valli's S/S 09 collection was inspired by sculpted lines...Look out for a jacket or skirt with a strong silhouette.
• Try contrasting different shapes to different effects...Valli paired his voluminous tunics with narrow silk cigarette pants.
• Draw attention to your neckline - Valli's ruffled collars frame the face, but if you feel that's too flamboyant, you can create a similar effect with a statement necklace, like the one below.
• This look is about balance. Avoid too many strong lines - to avoid looking too severe, pin a floral brooch to a sculptural jacket (as above) or pair a voluminous skirt with a ruffled silk blouse.

Clockwise from left: Ruffle Blouse, £25, New Look;  Flower Garland Catwalk Necklace, £18.00, Accessorize; Frill Back Patent Platform Peep Toe, £40.00, ASOS; Frill Silk Bed Jacket, £45.00, Topshop; Peep Toe Cut-Out Detail Shoe, was £120.00 now £95.00, KG by Kurt Geiger