Valentino Fall 2012 | Paris Fashion Week

Valentino’s Touch of Tough – It appears the Valentino woman’s romantic gowns are getting a strict makeover for the upcoming autumn. With fall 2012, Valentino designers Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri brought an edgy twist to their demure romanticism with an opening section of leather capes and skirts. Structured silhouettes transformed into floor-length gowns in an autumn palette of black, nude, scarlet and ivory. Tailored pants and refined blouses dominated the presentation as did decorative patterns ranging from flowers to the more abstract. The duo’s lacework–sometimes glittery–also made an appearance in the showing paired with sheer long sleeves and ruffled skirts. A juxtaposition of strict elegance and feminine frills win another hit for Piccioli and Chiuri.