Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Valentino Haute Couture Meets Suzani

suzanis uzbekistan, uzbek tours
Valentino's Central Asian suzani-inspired jacket
Although Garavani Valentino retired in 2008, creative directors of the fashion house, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, have continued Valentino's signature opulence.

They are also respectful of the house's preset design codes, from Valentino's special red to his beloved high neckline.

The Valentino 2015 haute couture spring/summer  collection, in parts folkloric, was inspired by Central Asian, Russian and Ukrainian patterns.

It included stunning dresses, skirts and accessories with Central Asian suzani designs.

This is not the first time Central Asian patterns have been incorporated into couture pieces. Oscar de la Renta started the ikat trend in 2005 and then Dries von Noten and Gucci followed.

Since then, ikat continues as a strong fashion and interior trend.

Although there are many embroidered items for sale in Uzbekistan, Samarkand designer Nargis Bekmuhamedova sets the benchmark for quality, style and design.

Working with a women's cooperative in Nurata, Nargis commissions suzani embroideries for her unique coats, dresses and accessories. She also uses old suzanis and vintage woodblock printed fabrics to make exquisite coats, skirts and jackets.

On an Uzbek Journeys tour you visit Nargis' atelier in Samarkand. And in Tashkent a visit to to one of the finest embroiderers in the country is included:  Medena creates bags, ballet flats and boots as well as dresses and skirts.

Swoon at the images below of Valentino 's meticulous detailing and embroidery.

Related posts:  Samarkand: A Fashion Show & Uzbek Concert
Nargis Bekmuhamedova - Samarkand textile designer 
Symbols in Stitches: Uzbek Suzanis
Suzanis as Upholstery: the Brilliance of Bokja Design
Oscar de la Renta's Love Affair with Uzbek Ikat
Fashion's Obession with Central Asian Design
The Silk Road Inspires Piaget's Secrets and Lights Collection
Uzbek Suzanis - Like Flowers in the Sand Part #1 

suzanis uzbekistan, uzbek tours
Valentino's to-die-for suzani-inspired boots



suzanis uzbekistan, uzbek tours
Valentino's signature red, high neck and exquisite detailing

suzanis uzbekistan, uzbek tours
Valentino's mix and match suzani patterns


suzanis uzbekistan, uzbek tours
Valentino's couture pieces left and right with traditional Central Asian suzani centre