Paris haute couture: Valentino

The Italian fashion house revealed its Spring-Summer 2015 haute couture collection on Wednesday, January 28 at the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild in Paris. It was a show underscored by an ode to romantic love -- seen in light and ethereal pieces -- and by references to traditional Russian dress -- seen in sturdier designs covered in elaborate motifs.

Valentino creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli presented a collection with two sides. One is romantic, with light and flowing fabrics. The other, with a more stoic feel, is inspired by the Russian countryside and delivers an array of traditional patterns, whether printed or embroidered.

The color palette is quite vast. Valentino's signature red is of course present, but there are also plenty of more muted colors such as ivory, copper, olive green, blue, black and white. Some of the looks shine with gold and silver accents, or with a shimmery rainbow motif.

Patterns play a major role in this line, worn all over at times in looks that resemble true works of art, whether traditional or much more modern. In addition to the embroidered patterns inspired by traditional Eastern European dress, there are several looks with celestial motifs (lots of stars, but also some clouds) and gowns adorned with cursive text.

Light and airy dresses and blouses are often worn under heavier knit pieces (coats, jackets, vests). Some of the light and flowing dresses are even adorned with a heavier knit panel. The floor-length cape made an appearance, as seen in other shows this season. Lace, ruffles and embroidery play a key role in the line overall.

For accessories, there are a few sandals, but the designers gave more prominence to ankle boots with patterns that match the rest of the look.