Valentino F/W 08.09 Paris

[JuiceMajor]

Her sudden departure from Gucci might actually paid off. I for once am please with the outcome. She is doing what most designer would do for a first collection. I remember Tom Ford's first collection for YSL was just in black and white colour!!

 

[kellynjane]

Of course it's not Valentino.Valentino resigned.
Alessandra didin't have to copy exactly what he was doing

I totally agree. There's no way that a brand new designer can come into a house and completely emulate the work that the previous designer was creating before; there would be no point of evolution of design. I like where Alessandra is taking the brand, personally. It's still glamorous, feminine, but maybe a little less predictable. I'll miss old Valentino just like the rest of us, but with a new designer has to come a bit of a new vision.

 

[KiroTV]

I personally like it. There's some stuff in there I'd sell a kidney for.

 

[Zzyzx]

beau but nothing special, wish she created more dresses though

 

[JordanB]

This is nice for a first collection but not amazing.
Miss Valentino.

 

[eternitygoddess]

Is this NY?

Where's the Valentino touch?

It's not that hard to copy Valentino (imo). He has the pretty standard jet-set look.

This lacks Valentino. It's not about copying him, this just outright lacks the Valentino touch. The palette is off for one.

 

[Squizree]

Valentino sure has changed, but maybe not for the worst. This is all really nice, the dress on Irina K is my favourite. Some things look stupid like that coat thing on Snejana.
I still prefer the real Valentino.

 

[Brighid]

It's big change, especially for Valentino fans. I've never been big fan of Valentino, so now I'm very surprised - this collection is great IMO! I really like it.

 

[KI_egoiste]

I don't mind this...I don't mind it at all...She can't really make evening gowns like Mr. Valentino, but then again, who can?

 

[Dyelle]

From what I can see, this is a slight let-down for me. I expected more glitz/glamour from Valentino as a brand. Even her work at Gucci was more exciting. However, do keep in mind that this is her first collection and she's got huge shoes to fill. I can already see some of the original Valentino influences in some of the outfits and dresses and that's pretty good.

Just as well, Mr. Valentino himself is irreplaceable as a fashion designer and couturier, whether you liked him or not. He has made a very unique mark in the fashion industry and is considered a legend.

 

[Mota3089]

It is like a fresh wond that wont heel. That is what it feels when you see a collection from the house of Valentino and not see Valentino taking his bow at the end.

It is to early to really embrace her work and call it great. Good strong pieces, but do they really say Valentino?

Where is the MAKEUP and all the glamour(fabulous shoes, bags and jewelry)?

 

[espritDEcouture]

She's got massive shoes to fill. This a good first collection.

 

[Dkammern]

a whole new brand with nice desings, under the high-end production! how could that be bad?
i do get a lot of the pilati's feeling... i dislike some pieces (like the nude&red gown) and LOVE some others (navy cape, beautiful coats, beautiful trousers)

very good overall! valentino needed some fresh air!

 

[chanelnumber5]

In a way I feel like she's got this catch 22 situation on her back. If she sticks to the archives, she's just trying to be Valentino and not dong anything new. If she tries to infuse newness into it, she's not being true to the house. It's not an enviable situation to be in. That said, I'm extremely excited for her. She was just starting to grow on me at Gucci before she was ousted.

I'm not blown away, and it's definitely lacking that pop, the impact of something truly exciting. But it's not bad, it's more cautious than anything else, which I can hardly fault her for.

I only hope that she does start to gain confidence enough in herself to really say what she thinks Valentino should be about now. We already know she can respect the heritage of a house.

Can't wait for July!

I compltely agree! I think people are being way too harsh on her. Come on this is her first season ever for Valentino. She needs to find her feet, I think.

Having said that there are 5 or 6 pieces that are hideous, but there are some which are wonderful - and are far greater than I would expect for a first collectiom

 

[liberty33r1b]

I personally like it. There's some stuff in there I'd sell a kidney for.

me too!!

 

[CharlottefromCA]

Great first collection, there is always a balance with new ideas and maintaining the brand identity with new designers for old labels.. I think she handled the balance really well

 

[Surfhus]

This would work for a NY based collection but not for Valentino, is not a bad collection but it just not Valentino

 

[Girlfriend1]

Nothing to do with the house. Very hippy, throw away fashion. Disgusting.

 

[dior_couture1245]

Watching this video actually made me really like this collection!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkcTOUpm6WM

 

[Girlfriend1]

I totally agree. There's no way that a brand new designer can come into a house and completely emulate the work that the previous designer was creating before; there would be no point of evolution of design. I like where Alessandra is taking the brand, personally. It's still glamorous, feminine, but maybe a little less predictable. I'll miss old Valentino just like the rest of us, but with a new designer has to come a bit of a new vision.

Yeah, definitely. A bit of a new vision. But this isn't a bit of a new vision. The customer... it's a completely different woman.

And wow, the Valentino red isn't even red.