There is something slightly ironic about the opulent beauty of haute couture. Each couture piece takes hundreds of hours in the deft and practiced hands of artisans to be produced; yet these creations are mostly reserved for evening wear, to be worn on a few precious occasions. Perhaps you could take it out once in a while, gaze upon it wistfully, maybe even drape it over yourself to recall the special moment—but it is a shame that such craftsmanship and creative genius can’t be appreciated in public more often.
Valentino, the Italian maison known for its extraordinary savoir-faire, aims to challenge this sartorial dictate. Four striking pieces from the Valentino Roman Palazzo collection—the Atelier Rose Blossom Caban, Valentino Garavani Rockstud Alcove double handle bag, Valentino Garavani Rockstud Roman Stud top handle bag, and Valentino Garavani Crochet Sneakers—blur the lines between couture and pret-à-porter. Couture-level materials and techniques have been coded into clothing and accessories that can be worn and carried out whenever, wherever—and even better, more than once.
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Alcove double handle bag
Pierpaolo Piccioli understands an essential in the Valentino wardrobe is arm candy, and there are two stand-outs in the Valentino Roman Palazzo collection. The Rockstud Alcove double handle bag is a prime example of Valentino’s exquisite craftsmanship, as six hours, 1.35 square metres of leather and 98 individual pieces come together to create this covetable accessory.
Two hardware-plated iconic twist lock closures bookend the VLogo Signature. Fully covered in striking gold studs, the VLogo is like your personal superhero motif. That, paired with the emphatic red nappa inner lining, instantly gives a new meaning to the term ‘power dressing’.
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Roman Stud top handle bag
Not to be outshone is the Valentino Garavani Rockstud Roman Stud top handle bag. Don’t underestimate its petite silhouette crafted from buttery soft lambskin leather, for the bag acquires new dimensionality with its macro-quilting and maxi stud embellishments.
For the iconic rockstud’s 10th anniversary, Piccioli has refashioned it into something larger than life, with an antique-brass-finish, outsized pyramidal structure, and strategic placements along both the bag’s quilted nappa coating and detachable strap that push the rockstud front and centre.
Valentino Garavani Crochet Sneakers
When we say Valentino has brought haute couture down to earth, we mean that quite literally with these Valentino Garavani Crochet Sneakers from the Roman Palazzo collection. Macramè, a signature material of the maison and traditionally used for couture gowns, has been transplanted for the first time to accessories. These shoes sport a woven body and dynamic laces design that balances the House’s romantic-punk vibe with a dose of playful irreverence. Even better, your pair of meticulously handmade crochet sneakers will be entirely unique, thanks to the human touch behind it.
Atelier Rose Blossom Caban
Last, but definitely not least, the Atelier Rose Blossom Caban. With its slouchy build and loose fit, the pea coat defies the conventions of the typically structured outerwear, while the rose embroideries, inspired by the Valentino Haute Couture Flamingo dress from 1959, inject the sensuality and glamour that the brand is famous for.
But one thing Valentino does better than almost anyone else is making chic look effortless. Behind the caban’s striking exterior is a team of the world’s most skilled artisans employing some of the fashion world’s most complicated techniques. Made from ribbons sewn and processed with a complex twisting movement, the three-dimensional roses are rendered with so much thoughtful detail that they almost look like real flowers blooming on the wearer.
For a front-seat insight into how the magic happens, check out the brand’s Mastery Tales video series on Instagram and YouTube to see just how they combine haute couture craftsmanship with ready-to-wear ease. Whichever item strikes her fancy, one thing is clear: the Valentino woman can have her cake, and eat it too.
To shop new arrivals from the Valentino Fall 2021 Roman Palazzo collection, contact Valentino ION Orchard at 6509 8062 or Marina Bay Sands at 6688 7186. You can also choose to shop online via My VXP (ION Orchard or Marina Bay Sands), a new digital shopping experience where all pieces from the brand’s boutiques can be viewed with the touch of a button and delivered to your home at your convenience. To add a personal touch to this virtual experience, a client advisor is also available to assist you (via chat or direct call) on your styling needs and preferences.
