“Gritty grace” is how Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri described their fall lineup for Red Valentino. Inspired by Kurt Cobain, the designers presented a romantic, feminine take on grunge. They showed plenty of floral dresses, reminiscent of spring’s main line collection, paired with oversize mohair cardigans. Plaids and leopard print also appeared in everything, from knits to outerwear.
Trompe l’oeil dresses were a highlight, with the most noteworthy being the Fair Isle knit sweater and floral skirt versions. But when Piccioli and Chiuri took a whimsical turn, playing with circus-themed prints and embroideries spurred by Fellini films — think acrobats, musclemen and clowns — on tulle skirts, it was all a bit silly yet with a childlike charm.