Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall Winter 2012

Giambattista Valli‘s couture collection didn’t feel particularly new (I spotted Viktor and Rolf ideas, as well as a bit of Mary Katrantzou and Valentino) nor was it very exciting. But couture doesn’t need to be those things, it needs to be beautiful and it needs to be different from ready to wear. This collection was both of those things, featuring extreme ruffles, elaborate prints, couture fantasy silhouettes, and incredible handwork inspired by flowers and leaves. Sure the pieces aren’t ideal for everyday wear, but couture is most definitely not meant for that, anyway.

I love…

the rounded shoulder, the nipped in waist, and a crazy skirt. Valli does couture silhouettes so well.

extreme ruffles.

an elegant, leafy green gown.

the cabbage flower dress. Crazy but fantastic.

I loathe…

a dress that looks like a forest got into a car crash. If you know what I mean.

All images from Vogue.com.