Valentino’s Mirabilia Romae: The Show

Nothing could have prepared me for Valentino’s Mirabilia Romae Haute Couture show. I spent a fair amount of last Spring reading a book called The Magic of Valentino (you know why) and thought I’d fully understood why that name had been bestowed upon it then. But no. It was only after being immersed in the brand’s world, its mother city, the inspirations that have consistently fuelled its designers creations and of course, witnessing a Valentino couture show first hand that I or anyone could truly feel the magic of this very special Maison…

That is a pretty cheesy way of putting it I know but seriously, I cannot even begin to describe this whole experience. But you know me, I’ll give it a damn good whack. After a day spent discovering hidden spots around Rome and the couture creations their beauty and history fuelled, we zoomed back to The Westin where I finally got to have a much needed shower (thank GOD!) before slipping into my Valentino look for the evening AKA the most beautiful dress I have ever worn and will probably ever wear.

Me & Charlotte

A floor sweeping, sheer, woven creation in a colour so synonymous with the brand we were in Roma to celebrate, can you even imagine a more occasion appropriate frock? I think not. That said, all of the other outfits on show were pretty, bloody incredible. I could have counted on one hand the number of people not clad in Valentino. That’s actually something that always particularly resonates at their shows and events, the fact that everyone goes all out in their Rockstuds and the genuine, heartfelt love so many have for the Maison. I was sure as hell not the only one with tears in my eyes as the models took to the runway. But I’m getting ahead of myself here, let’s talk about the show.

Me, Charlotte & Nicole… shame my eyes are closed

Gwyneth Paltrow and Giancarlo Giammetti

Anna Dello Russo

Bryan Boy

Staged in the Piazza Mignanelli at sunset, beneath the glowing terracotta walls of surrounding villas and Valentino’s own HQ, this was truly one of the most mesmerising sartorial spectacles full stop I’ve ever laid eyes on. After much milling around and the BEST people watching session I’ve had in my damn life (so many gowns, so little time) the show began. As the first dress appeared from the arched doorway of Valentino HQ there was a collective intake of breath; a regal black concoction adorned with a poised eagle – the symbol of imperial rome – wings open to form wide sleeves and silk tulle spliced to reveal semi sheer panels creating the illusion of impending flight. The collection that followed was one of the most magical, breathtaking, can’t-look-away successions of creations I’ve even laid eyes on.

A series of black looks followed but this was not “black” as you’ve ever seen or imagined it before. Every swathe of sweeping, regal fabric was the product of God knows how many hours of graft, workmanship and love; lace, velvet, crepe, tailored wool and gossamer fine chiffon came adorned with exquisite glittering embellishment, beading, intricate embroidery, ancient symbols woven in burnished gold and delicate appliqué. Flat gladiator sandals with lacing snaking up models legs, gold fragment jewellery by Alessandro Gaggio and head pieces added to the sense of grandeur, and feeling of Roman regalia reimagined for the 21st century; an apt metaphor for the inimitable way Chiuri and Piccoli continually draw from the Maison’s past to create a compelling future.

It wasn’t all black and gold. The sudden appearance of a toga like, immaculately draped stunner in Valentino’s signature hue. A series of scarlet ensembles followed; majestic couture coats layered over floor sweeping lace confections, voluminous tulle skirting contrasted against high necked, cinch waisted columns. Glimmering metallics in serenely sinister moss greens and bronze jigsaw like motifs gave way to a finale of heavily embellished, feathered, leather and golden creations culminating in a series of pared back, but no less striking looks in rich velvet. There was something about the show that was really incredibly moving. The emotion, understanding and of course sheer skill and devotion that went into creating it could not be overestimated. As I said before, when Maria Grazia and Pierpaolo took their lap of the runway to a thundering standing ovation I suspect there wasn’t an entirely dry eye in the house.

Show over and everyone suitably spellbound, we piled into a waiting fleet of cars to be whisked away for the evening’s celebrations. A fairly lengthy journey through the Rome traffic later we arrived at Villa Aurelia where I found myself wondering for the umpteenth time that trip, “how the HELL is this happening!?” The phrase “Italian’s do it better” is an over used one but if my time in Rome taught me anything it’s that when it comes to a lot of things, they really bloody do. One of those things is of course, party. Perched atop the city, Villa Aurelia was one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in my life. It fulfilled every Italian aristo fantasy one might imagine; palatial, lavish and elegant. With darkness upon us and the illuminated gardens filled with Valentino clad beauties it was like a scene from a film you desperately wanted to live, only it was actually happening IRL. Dinner was served on long tables strewn with white orchids and candles.

Several courses of utterly delicious Italian food later we migrated to a different garden where Mica took to the stage while Maria Grazia, Pierpaolo and Mr.Valentino himself led the dancing. We all swiftly joined in and it was many, many hours of gown clad shaking it under the stars later that I allowed by exhausted self to be piled into a taxi and driven home to bed.

Valentino Garavani & Alber Elbaz

I cannot say a big enough thank you to Valentino for this incredible experience, it is one I feel truly lucky to have had and will never forget.

Love Ella. X

Images c/o Maxime Sapozhnikov & Maison Valentino