The world of couture prides itself on being unattainable. Unattainable in terms of its elitist price tags which mean fewer than 0.001 per cent of society can afford to buy and wear the clothes, but also, unfortunately, unattainable thanks to its representation in terms of size, age and race. While other fashion weeks are making big efforts to improve both their sustainable credentials and diversity and inclusion on the runways, the Federation de la Haute Couture de la Mode – founded in Paris in 1868 – has some way to go.
Today though, Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli put on a runway show that took a small, satin pump-clad step in the right direction, and will hopefully encourage other couture labels to open their doors a little wider. Featuring a cast of models that included a wider breadth of body shapes than we’ve come to expect from couture week, a mix of races and genders, as well as a few sexagenarian models, the Valentino show was a better reflection not just of society but also, crucially for the brand, its couture consumer.
