Summer Throwback: Valentino & Chanel as seen by Sylvie Utudjian (Uberchique)
Valentino Haute Couture The Beginning in Rome, July 2022
About the location
"I received a lovely invitation to Rome to witness Pierpaolo Piccioli's Haute Couture show set on the Spanish Steps, rather than the usual Paris. The show was called „The beginning". Piccoli paid homage to Valentino's 63-year history and the location where Valentino Garavani opened his first boutique in the 1960s. Piccoli basically took us all back to the beginning! It was so beautiful and moving! The after-party was at a location I have never seen before: Rome's Baths of Caracalla, whose upcoming renovation of the mosaics is being funded by Valentino."
About the collection
"My favorite dress was the opening look which was a reinterpretation of the iconic 'Fiesta' dress from Valentino's first-ever runway show. Pierpaolo's version was super short and covered in 3D roses made of brilliant red taffeta! Divine and very Valentino! The collection was larger than ever with 103 looks (normally it is less), and it was more colorful than I can ever remember filled with magentas, acid greens, fluorescent highlighter colours in violets, teals, and blood reds. Very joyful! The looks that followed were full of feathers ruffles, bows, puff sleeves, sparkles, headpieces, and capes - basically everything I love about this brand! The entire collection was marvelous and possibly his best work ever! Piccoli keeps on outdoing himself and it never ceases to amaze me what he will come up with next! He is a genius and in my opinion the most creative designer today!"
The attending guests
"The front row included Anne Hathaway, Florence Pugh, Ariana DeBose, Andrew Garfield, Anna Wintour, and Laura Pausini:"
>> Read more here: Valentino in Venice: With Sylvie Utudjian on the Grand Canal <<
Chanel Fall Winter 22 Haute Couture Fashion
About the location
"It didn't take place as usual at the Grand Palais. Instead, a new location - an outdoor stadium of the equestrian L'Étrier de Paris - was the centre of attention. The set was made by the French installation artist Xavier Veilhan. It was full of oversized abstract geometrical forms and shapes with lots of arches, pinwheels, and graphic shapes. Like the shows before the music was dj'd by Sebastian Teller. The Haute Couture Dinner in the evening took place at the breathtaking Parisian Hôtel Le Marois."
About the collection
"I loved it because it was very mixed. Overall it was consistently Chanel but not without a twist or pop of colour, such as my favorite two-piece suit in emerald green. There was a lot of painted lacework too and long pleated dresses - which I loved!"
About the attending guests
"The usual suspects like Marion Cotillard, Clémence Poésy, and Taraji P. Henson were there. My favorite look was worn by Keira Knightly, who appeared in a halter neck midi lace dress. Very Chanel from the '30s."
