Romanticism was all the rage at Carmen Marc Valvo’s RTW Fall 2016 collection. The designer stepped out of the norm, showing both his men’s and women’s collection simultaneously.
Valvo started the show off with a poem. The collection would be “seductive interludes under moonlit nights” and included “sequins a sparkle so bright.”
And sparkle they did.
Front row was Hilaria Baldwin, who was joined by her two-year-old daughter Carmen donning a custom creation of patterns ripped from the runway. Attendees also included Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and Orange is the New Black actress Alysia Reiner.
Valvo, known for his exclusive looks that rival a red carpet, created a collection full of inspired designs and extravagance.
As usual, the looks ranged from beautiful Oscar worthy gowns to cocktail frocks in splashy colors and metallics. The intricate details included furry collars, sequins, and foil print tops.
Other top looks included cozy separates with fur collars attached to boxy brocade tunics, an oversized neutral fur coat over black slacks, and a red and black mini with leather lining.
The chemise cocktail dresses featured color contrasting hems and a mix of materials. One favorite was a translucent black mini paired with tights. Across the collection was a floral print, both romantic and modern, that referenced the spring collection. The print appeared on minis, as well as tops and gowns, with sequins, velvet, and studs. Models all wore black booties.
The men’s collection, on the other hand, focused on texture. Most looks were black, but mixed materials like leather, wool, and velvet. And the accessories didn’t disappoint, with looks including circular sunglasses reminiscent of the ‘60s, black leather gloves, and velvet scarves. The main focus were different suits, with many of the jackets in the same materials as the women’s dresses.
Highlights included a floor length black sequined gown, a merlot floor length silk gown with a V neck and black belt, and a mixed material gown featuring swatches of the metallic floral print. But the showstopper? A neutral oversized fur coat that featured the same floral design only in different shades of fur.