Mood board of inspiration for Valentino’s exclusive one-off Haute Couture Collection ‘Sala Bianca 945’
Maris Berenson photographed by Henry Clarke for vogue 1968
Valentino’s exclusive one-off Haute Couture Collection to celebrate the opening of their new flagship store on Fifth Avenue was inspired by Valentino Garavani’s iconic 1968 white collection from which Jackie Kennedy chose her wedding dress to marry Aristotle Onassis. It was also inspired by the work of Robert Ryman, a famous painter in the 1950’s and 60’s from which his work with painting white on white in a minimalistic style shot him to fame.
The photo I chose was taken by Henry Clarke for vogue 1968 and features Maris Berenson leisurely sat in a delicate white organza Valentino dress, stylish tights and elaborate white bow top shoes. The model is surrounded by a few well selected & positioned pieces of antique French style furniture, minimal lines and elegant lilies. The laid-back pose of the model suggests boredom or perhaps a level of comfort to her luxurious surroundings, which puts across the feeling that she’s used to an expensive and decadent lifestyle. The use of the white pet cockatoo, diamond jewels and flamboyant hair give a very old Hollywood glamour vibe which fits with the style vogue was trying to put across within that era. The sharp contrasting carpet with its distinct black lines, frame the image and create a distinctive crisp backdrop on which the image is built.
The seated image of the woman is central to the image, which is traditionally framed by the surrounding minimalistic room.
The high angle of the camera suggests the feeling of imposing, as if being a fly on the wall within a wealthy apartment. The open door and positioning of an empty chair behind the model could symbolise waiting for someone to arrive or exasperation of someone having departed. Overall the visual effect of the photograph is well balanced, elegant, simplistic and yet striking.
Bibliography:
Mhairi Graham, (2014) AnOther, Avalable from: http://www.anothermag.com/fashion-beauty/4185/the-inspiration-behind-valentino-haute-couture (accessed 25/11/2017)
Linda Sharkey, (2014) INDEPENDANT, Avalable from: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/news/valentinos-white-haute-couture-collection-9918175.html#gallery (accessed 25/11/2017)