Valentino’s new creative director gets adventurous

By Caleigh Ostrom

Dior’s creative director chair, left vacant by Raf Simons in 2015, required nearly a year to fill—an eternity in style circles. In July of last year, however, former Valentino visionary Maria Grazia Chiuri took the job, and her longtime associate, Pierpaolo Piccioli (they met in the 1980s and started working together at Fendi in 1989), took the sole slot as the Italian legend’s creative chief.

The choice was at once spiritual and strategic. Chiuri and Piccioli, according to Business Insider, “pushed Valentino back to the forefront of fashion, breathing new creative energy into the brand,” but the latter is now able to lead alone, and new pieces are putting his slightly more adventurous spirit on display.

Valentino’s fall collection focused on dresses, including this gown, highlighted by a high neck, ankle-length, and airy fabrics. Made from French lace and complemented with ruffled and plissé chiffon that creates a “V” illusion neckline, its velvet details at the skirt contrast with the flowy, lace silhouette, finished with a hem that pools at the floor as well as a train at the back. A true piece of wearable art.

Valentino Lace & Chiffon Mock-Neck Gown with Velvet Trim