Paris haute couture: Valentino's elegance, Galliano sees red

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2006

PARIS (AFP) — Italian designer Valentino and John Galliano for Christian Dior highlighted two opposing faces of haute couture; one based on classic, red carpet-ready elegance, the other revealing a more experimental approach for the 21st century.

Graceful evening gowns fluttered to the ground in luxurious white fabrics at Valentino, who kept the glamour refined, sophisticated and feminine for this spring-summer, while the silhouette was always statuesque and fluid, skimming the body.

Occasional ladylike prints of peonies and roses offset ruffles, pleats and diamond-encrusted embroidery, as the legendary Italian couturier, known as the 'master of the dress', conjured up a collection of both day and eveningwear that was unostentatious but clearly full of couture...