Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 2011/2012 collection Paris

'Giambattista Valli's debut Couture collection was quite brilliant' says Guardian's deputy fashion editor Imogen Fox. 'It somehow managed to look casual and modern while being breathtakingly beautiful...' Photograph: Jacques Brinon/AP Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 2011/2012 collection Paris Photograph: Jacques Brinon/AP 'The show featured long chiffon evening dresses with matching capes...' Photograph: Pierre Verdy/AFP/Getty Images Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 2011/2012 collection Paris Photograph: Sipa Press/Rex Features 'His ideas included mixing a white atelier's uniform with a black lame pencil skirt...' Photograph: Pierre Verdy/AFP/Getty Images Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 2011/2012 collection Paris Photograph: Pierre Verdy/AFP/Getty Images Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 2011/2012 collection Paris Photograph: Jacques Brinon/AP 'Jaguar print (note: that's not leopard print) ostritch feathers (of course) and coral bugle bead sleeved tops and lillies of the valley embroidered everywhere...' Photograph: Jacques Brinon/AP Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 2011/2012 collection Paris Photograph: Jacques Brinon/AP Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 2011/2012 collection Paris Photograph: Sipa Press/Rex Features Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 2011/2012 collection Paris Photograph: Sipa Press/Rex Features Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 2011/2012 collection Paris Photograph: Sipa Press/Rex Features Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 2011/2012 collection Paris Photograph: Pierre Verdy/AFP/Getty Images 'Rather shrewdly Valli has got rid of the idea of seasonal collections and simply called this show: Number 1. And why not - couture customers are frankly too rich for weather...' Photograph: Jacques Brinon/AP