Giambattista Valli Puts a Couture Spin on ’80s Prom Dresses

The Giambattista Valli runway was awash with voluminous, extra AF frocks, because everyone knows when it comes to the Italian designer’s dreamy creations, there’s no such thing as too much tulle.

The designer took a deep dive into the ’80s for the house’s spring 2019 collection, bringing back the off-the-shoulder necklines, high-low hems, ruffles upon ruffles, all in super-saturated reds and magentas.

Jennifer Lopez offered up a preview of the collection, wearing a bubblegum pink tulle confection to attend the premiere of her film Second Act in December.

On the runway, there were various iterations: plunging neckline, off-the-shoulder, and high necklines, a mix of high-low and floor-length hems, paired with cowboy boots, fez hats, and oversized bow accents.

“Today, France is being torn apart culturally and socially. I thought it was important to remind myself why I came here, and what makes it an extraordinary country,” the Italian designer told WWD. Aside from the ’80s references, Valli also looked to haute couture history and its major players: Hubert de Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent, as couture trains and playful silhouettes rounded out Valli’s spring 2019 range. “It’s an atmosphere you only find in French haute couture houses—this eclecticism, this lively silhouette, these uninhibited women with their slightly brazen attitude, this mix of cultures.”