Does the Insta-generation even know the term groovy? How else to describe this giddy, girlish and luxurious take on the Haight-Ashbury set? (Make that haute Ashbury.)
Giambattista Valli’s second line is meant to be younger and quirkier than his signature line, and he seemed to loosen up further for his sophomore effort, dotting temporary tattoos on faces and strapping a black leather harness Peter Marino might love onto some of his pert floral shifts.
Short shifts and trapeze coats and dresses came in busy brocades and frothy laces, embellished here and there with panels of colorful fur and jeweled bugs. Smocking on sleeves and bodices heightened the Seventies vibes, as did the suede platform boots traced with contrast stripes.
Maxidresses are an emerging trend in Milan, and Valli’s came with demonstrative butterfly and bishop sleeves. Valli name-checked Janis Joplin as a reference for his latest couture collection and his inspiration carried over into Giamba, sheepskin vest included.