Was the Valentino show gimmicky? Yes. Did that detract from the sheer beauty of the AW15 collection? Not in the slightest. Bring on the Blue Steel.

Zoolander Forever

Let’s get this out the way early. Derek Zoolander and Hansel are back. We’re not really sure why they’re the Valentino catwalk (apparently filming for the sequel is taking place in Rome, Valentino’s hometown) but Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli really know how to please a crowd. Looking utterly fabulous, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson strutted their stuff in decadent pyjama-like looks with pouts to rival any real model’s. We like to think this is Valentino’s collective way of saying remember people, it’s only clothes, “there’s a lot more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking.” Even if it is in a full Valentino look.

Furs and Frills

Everything was opulent from the word go and we were treated to eighty-three looks of luxury. Even simple monochromes were striking, classic and like optical illusions with knits and prints mixed and diamond checks contrasted next to block lines. Fox furs slipped in next to velvets and embroidery detailed enough to make you dizzy, whilst the geometric patterns continued with patches of earth toned fur on a full length coat. This paved the way for the boho luxe high-necked lace numbers. To put it simply, what we’re trying to say is that it all linked, wonderfully. Who else, other than Valentino, could have tied together such a varied collection so seamlessly?

Myriad Motifs

It wasn’t just an endless supply of textured fabrics – prints and patterns morphed to new states continuously throughout the course of the show. Owen Wilson had flamenco dancer sketches on his silk print pyjamas whereas Mr. Zoolander himself had butterflies in blue plastered across his three-piece suit and even his coat and tie. Glimmering gold and black aztec prints sparkled on dresses and there were Maya dresses even Frida Kahlo would have envied. All topped off with Chinese dragons, Pre-Raphaelite palette flowers and posies small and sweet.

Words: Lily Walker