There is only one word I can use to describe this collection: mythical. Sure Valentino is always a couture show that brings fairy tales of beautiful and glamous princesses to life and, in combination with Elie Saab, gives Hollywood starlets a shipload of pretty and mostly uncontroversial dresses for the awards season but this collection actually seems to be especially made for a stage production of The Brothers Grimm's and Hans Christian Anderson's stories.


Instead of the lace dresses, soft tones and floral prints that look like they should be on curtains that most expect from the Italian fashion powerhouse this collection is much darker and almost eerie. Oriental prints and a colour scheme that ranges from blood red through to rich gold to warm nudes and cool corals almost seem straight out of a medieval artwork and when combined with the juxtaposition of the sheer lace pieces and heavy fur and tweed pieces it seems like a collection only a make-believe character or a weird distance relative from Eastern Europe would wear.


Than there is also the silhouettes. Although nothing really new when comes to post-Valentino Valentino they also fit the idea of realistic fairytale princess brought to life with capes, very fitted waists and defined shoulders all making an appearance.


Although I have fallen in love with Pier Paolo Piccioli's and Maria Grazia Chiuri's dark fairytale I can see why some would criticise. Yes, there is more than a little bit of a resemblance to Dolce and Gabbana and some of those tweed pieces are pretty ugly out of context. But yet this is also something completely gorgeous and refreshing about this collection. Valentino has not only changed their very usual routine in a successful way but have also showcased that couture need not be about how many crystals you can put onto a dress or how awkward it looks but something that is fuses together craft and wearability.

Also who couldn't love the subtle references to Game of Thrones?