Like Porcelain

Ribbon embroidery, sequins, beads, applique and metres of delicate lace lovingly stitched together and inspired by the 'delicate texture, pleasing color and refinement' that is required to fashion a Meissen, Wedgwood or Capodimonte piece of porcelain; this is what has been mirrored in the elegance of these Giambattista Valli gowns.

The colours and floral themes are something that are expected from Valli's creations so this couture range didn't disappoint (although there were moments of familiarity between some pieces and the Fall 2013 Valentino collection) - but its also the headwear, belts and accessories (by Luigi Scialanga), burnished, dipped in gold and fashioned as modern day tiaras or pieces befitting an operatic Isolde that also vied for attention on the catwalk.

And there is the key... something so light, frothy, delicate and transparent is being made more 'real' by the addition of these sculptural, organic, metallic accessories, toughened, given an edge and made more 'relevant' for today.

Oh, and I musn't forget those gorgeous laced shoes either - they just give these extravagant gowns a touch of 'street smarts'.

So we might not all be able to afford couture for day (or night either!), but a laced black shoe, a sculptural metallic belt, a golden headband - these are the touches that can be taken away with you for a night out whatever the occasion.

Click through here to be immersed in the behind the scenes preparation of the Fall 2013 Haute Couture show (fittings, alterations, embroidery) .... pretty, oh so pretty!

Images 1-6, via Style.com
Images 7-9, via Pinterest
Images 10-12, still frames via Vogue Fr