Valentino Haute Couture 2013

Dresses in the Valentino Haute Couture show were covered in layers of crepe and tulle, ever so slightly voluminous and ethereal. In particular, the sheer gown above features a sensual mix of almost nude organza with an overlay of intricate red piping. According to style.com, “it took 500 hours of hand-rolling to produce the piping. And that was just one of the outfits that featured the effect. One roller apparently developed carpal tunnel syndrome during the production of the collection.” Old school classic pieces still walked the runway in the form of cape dresses and garden party dresses.

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli created a magical show that entranced all those who witnessed it in person, or even later online. The craftsmanship and devotion really showed through. The ladylike, yet thoroughly modern gowns really stood on their own.