Valentino turns to the church in haute couture collection

Jul 7 , 2017

A model presents creations for Valentino during the 2017-2018 fall/winter Haute Couture collection. Photo: AFP

Velvet hooded gowns and robe dresses with intarsia are the highlights, alongside hammered metal bags in the shape of animal heads

Following the street wear-inspired, sporty chic resort show in New York last month, Valentino took an unexpected turn to focus on subtly luxurious details inspired by the sacred ritualistic elements of the church.

Pierpaolo Piccioli referenced Zurbarán’s portraits of cardinals, bishops and nuns in the house’s haute couture collection and translated the looks into capes – from velvet hooded gowns to robe dresses with intarsia.

Piccioli worked with artist Harumi Klossowska on a series of hammered metal bags in the shape of animals heads which symbolise the seven deadly sins.