It’s with an optimistic nonchalance that Giambattista Valli offered images of his Resort 2012 collection to the press yesterday, proclaiming ‘there are no rules’ in contemporary fashion.

In the weeks before his Haute Couture debut in Paris, this Resort offering is a light-hearted oeuvre charting many of his classic leitmotifs – with leopard print, lace and florals all appearing in full force. Bursting with tropical colour (think magenta, jade, peach, vermillion and sunshine yellow), Valli tweaked his volumes for daytime – with ruffle-edged tunic tops and raglan or cap-sleeved tunics offered in bold bands of block colour, giant lace and a geometric tribal print. The designer clashed print-on-print, even matching a jungle floral blouse with cropped leopard trousers – injecting an unexpected edge of eclecticism into his traditionally sober styling. Belts and sandals were adorned with chunky linked chain for a glamorous nautical touch that played nicely off the ethnic detailing of marabou feathers and tassels – however Valli’s signature was surely strongest in the final floor-skimming bustier dresses in pleated chiffon, and a series of structured shifts above the knee (including one in a delightful exploding clover motif).

This collection once again proves Giambattista Valli’s aptitude for effortless glamour, versatility and his radar for ‘what women want’ – but we shall wait with bated breath as he turns up the volume for a couture coup d’état.

www.giambattistavalli.com