2020 has been the year of the pivot, something Giambattista Valli knows all too well. The Italian-French designer is a purveyor of fashion fantasies – billowing red-carpet ballgowns and frothy couture confections – but spring/summer 2021 saw his focus shift from surrealism to realism.
Presented via a digital runway show, the collection comprised prim short suits, cotton poplin frocks and tiered party dresses befitting a glamorous getaway on the Italian riviera. Blouses and A-line minis blossomed with sweet floral prints inspired by Valli’s own videos of the Mediterranean greenery (the breezy, beautiful footage was spliced throughout the digital show).
After a steady stream of daywear came the finale: lush puffs of tulle in the prettiest pistachio and peach. The gowns were perhaps more restrained than that of seasons past, but still signature Valli - and a reminder that even in 2020, romance is alive and well.
