CULTURE CONNECTION
The recent Spring Summer Valentino show at Paris Fashion Week was an homage to Africa and its cultural heritage of print, beadwork and body decoration. Along with the exquisite outfits designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were sending out a message of cross-cultural appreciation.
The idea behind the collection and its message was a reaction to the African refugee crisis that Italy has been facing for the last year. In a gesture towards inspiring open-mindedness they sought to promote a message of understanding through a fashion fusion which included a mix of their signature lace, beadwork in giraffe motifs, traditional African batik style prints, tie dye and feather and tassle decoration.
“We probably feel that the greatest privilege in doing our work is that fashion can give a message,” said Chiuri. “We think every person coming here is an individual, and we can show that we can improve ourselves by understanding other cultures.”
“The message,” added Piccioli, “is tolerance. And the beauty that comes out of cross-cultural expression.” as told to Vogue.com
Powerful words for such a powerful fashion house.
TW