Valentino, styles, and a decade of street style: a runway flashback
Alessandro Michele’s private tour of Maison Valentino’s Rome headquarters, a decade after Zoë Kravitz graced the couture scene in a breathtaking tulle creation, has unearthed a fascinating snapshot of 2016’s fashion landscape. It's a reminder that trends evolve, but certain faces and aesthetics remain eternally captivating.
A glimpse into 2016: icons and emerging stars
Just a few years ago, Bella Hadid was the name on everyone’s lips, dominating runways for Atelier Versace, Dior, Givenchy, and Fendi. While her loyalties now firmly reside at Saint Laurent, that era of effortless cool defined her ascent. But the front row remained a constant: Natalia Vodianova, Lucinda Chambers, and Christine Centenera – still radiating an undeniable influence.
The street style scene – then and now
Scrolling through images from the fall 2016 couture shows reveals a vibrant energy. Natasha Vodianova, a consistent presence at Dior, practically glowed on her way to the show. Bella Hadid, sporting a shockingly crimson lip courtesy of Pat McGrath, made a statement – the denim jacket’s inscription, “Hadid,” a subtle nod to her identity. Christine Centenera, then Vogue Australia’s fashion director, was already shaping trends, a fact that will soon be evident with her upcoming collaboration with Wardrobe.NYC.
And then there’s Soo Joo Park, always a standout, effortlessly commanding attention. Teddy Quinlivan’s rapid rise to street-style prominence was already undeniable, fueled by her penchant for Maison Margiela, Rabanne, and Louis Vuitton’s maximalist designs. It’s remarkable to see how quickly she ascended.
Beyond the runway: faces that endure
Cindy Bruna, transitioning from the modeling world to the silver screen - most recently as a glamorous ex-girlfriend in the comedy, French Girl - continues to be a captivating presence. Edie Campbell, Mica Argañaraz, and Anna Ewers remain a formidable trio, sporting motorcycle-inspired glamour. A rare glimpse into Stella Tennant’s delightfully irreverent style, channeling Chanel, a brand she would later become the face of in 1996.
Fei Fei Sun’s rainbow mohair tweed jacket from 2003 – a testament to bold experimentation – is a prime example of the era’s fearless approach. Justin O’Shea’s debut for Brioni in Paris marked a significant moment, a single, decisive move. The Italian It-girls, Giorgia Tordini and Gilda Ambrosio, were already building their own brand, The Attico.
Hanne Gaby Odiele, a champion for intersex human rights, radiated confidence. Vera Wang, a constant fixture, remains in her signature black. Nadège Vanhée’s debut with Hermès, showcasing a muted orange, offered a subtle touch of understated elegance. The dynamic duo, Giovanna Engelbert and Laure Hériard-Dubreuil, continued to dominate the couture circuit.
And finally, Jeanne Damas and Veronika Heilbrunner – street style icons and long-time friends – solidified their status, proving that certain styles simply never fade. It’s a fascinating reflection of an era, and a reminder that fashion is, at its core, about individuals and their unique expressions.