For the fashion faithful, the marriage between Valentino and Château de Chantilly is a match made in luxury-heaven. Come July 2021, the two will come together in a union of couture, casting the iconic Chantilly venue in a new light. Taking place just outside of Paris, the historic place will be transformed into a glamorous atelier for one night only; an opportunity like no other for the cream of the fashion world to witness the legacy of Italian elegance through the lens of Valentino.
1. A Vision of Love: Valentino At Château de Chantilly
A romantic vision of love and beauty radiated from the Château de Chantilly as Valentino presented their SS2021 Haute Couture Collection. The designer assembled a star-studded runway surrounded by a Victorian castle adorned with gardens, gently rolling hills, and ponds – a vision of unparalleled beauty.
Valentino’s collection featured ethereal romantic looks that embraced a woman’s natural beauty. Embroidered flowers, gold chains and beading were fixed into gorgeous silhouettes. Stand-out pieces included:
- A tiered, hot pink dress with clusters of ruffles. The dress had a dreamy kimono-style sleeve and a belted waist.
- A white, floor-length gown with an empire-style bodice. It was embellished with delicate beading illuminating the top part of the dress.
These bold and feminine creations were highlighted by the vast backdrop of the Château de Chantilly. As models coalesced with the incredible landscape of this majestic place, Valentino’s collection manifested itself through a breathtakingly beautiful display of fashion and love.
2. “The Ideal Frame for a Dream” – Valentino On Why Chantilly
Chantilly is the ideal frame for a dream – and Valentino knows it. When it comes to creating the perfect ambiance oozing with romance, sophistication and refinement, nothing does it better than Chantilly lace.
Valentino’s collections are a testament to the incredible possibilities presented by working with Chantilly. Dropped waists, bold necklines, and structured bodices, all encased in the sheerest, airiest of laces – with visuals like this, it’s plain to see why Chantilly has remained a staple for so many designers.
- Vintage-inspired silhouettes that are made timeless by the addition of Chantilly.
- Transparent yet intricate patterns that wed old-world glamour with a modern sensibility.
- Textures that lend a sense of allure to the most delicate designs.
Valentino’s mastery of Chantilly lace is a highlight of each season’s catwalk. No matter the century, the skill of crafting it in lace has remained the same – and Valentino’s adept understanding of this process has earned them an unmatched reputation.
3. Reimagining Couture: The Valentino Effect
Valentino has become synonymous with fashion and style, and you only have to take a look at their innovative couture line to understand why. This Italian fashion house began its journey in 1960 and ever since, has been captivating audiences and breating life into one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Valentino Effect has empowered emerging fashion designers to re-imagine the possibilities of couture. In their collections, couture is seen from a light-hearted, yet classic perspective. They evoke a sense of romanticism with their intricate detailing and momentous silhouettes. Their techniques, such as oversized pleats, feather embellishments, chiffon drapery and rich embroideries, are now becoming popular with other creatives. With each season, Valentino’s influence becomes more visible, and generations to come will have much to be inspired by.
- Oversized pleats
- Feather embellishments
- Chiffon drapery
- Rich embroideries
4. In The Spotlight: Château de Chantilly
Château de Chantilly
This castle, located in France’s Oise region, is a spectacular architectural wonder unparalleled in its beauty and grandeur. Its remarkable estate houses is surrounded by a vast park and gardens of lush, green opulence. Established in 1560 and later modified by the Duke of Aumale, the Château de Chantilly holds one of the world’s most treasured collections of priceless fine art, including works by renowned masters such as Raphael, Rembrandt, and van Dyck.
An exploration of this fairytale castle is highlighted by its three main components: the Petit Château, the Grand Château and the Grandes Écuries. The Petit Château is a beautifully manicured two-story château with décor from the reign of Louis XV. The Grand Château, built between 1734-1740, is a masterpiece of French Baroque architecture, comprised of a monumental façade and ten pavilions. Finally, the stables of the Grandes Écuries showcases the lavish lifestyle of a 17th-century aristocrat, with over 225 exquisite horses.
Explore and admire the following highlights of Château de Chantilly:
- The Gallery of Francis I and the Cabinet of Wathier de la Touche
- The 16th century swan-filled lake
- The Grand Canal
- The Cosistance Orangerie filled with 30,000 orange trees
- The Great Stables home to 250 horses
An excursion to Château de Chantilly will surely be an unforgettable experience that will transport you back in time.
Just like a fairytale, the Château de Chantilly will soon be a breathtaking backdrop to the magical and dramatic designs of Italian fashion house Valentino. We can’t wait to find out what vision comes to life amidst the storied surroundings of this fantastic château.
