Giambattista Valli makes no secret of his deep love for Morocco, and it’s not just because his life partner hails from there. He adores everything about the country, from its sense of presentation to the sophisticated sensuality of its atmosphere. “I named this collection Les Jardins de la Ménara,” he explained backstage, referring to the historic gardens and orchard in Marrakesh. “It’s a place of meditative reflection where I used to take long walks with my dear friend, the late Lee Radziwill. It brought balance and calm to my mind—a soothing balm for my soul.”
Despite the not so balmy state of the world, Valli remains optimistic. “I have an 11-year-old son, so my perspective on the future has to stay positive,” he shared. “I despise all forms of conflict and always strive for a conciliatory approach—a middle ground where differences can be reconciled, and a shared solution can emerge.” If only world leaders could embrace the same mindset — unfortunately, this perspective seems highly unlikely.
Valli aimed to convey a sense of beauty and well-being, evoking a stylish, feel-good promenade (models walked a Moroccan-carpeted catwalk) where a gentle breeze lifted voluminous silk taffeta balloon skirts flaring from fitted bodices (“like djellabas billowing in the wind”). Pale ombré petals swirled across layers of hand-pleated chiffon in dreamy tiered dresses, while Mughal roses—Valli loves India too—were embroidered onto the brocade of a sumptuous cape coat.
Lightness and romance suffused the finely crafted, youthful, and tightly curated collection, where poufy, meringue-like silhouettes alternated with softly sculpted column dresses in vivid, icy hues. One standout was a terribly chic, fluid shell-pink tunic with a regal yet effortless ’60s allure; Valli’s eternal muse, Lee Radziwill, would have looked fabulous in it—as he noted, it was her favorite color.
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