Giambattista Valli to show couture in Paris

(AFP PHOTO/Francois Guillot)

Some might argue that the Italian designer's elaborate creations have always looked more couture than prêt-à-porter, but now it's official: Valli has just been elected as guest of the French Chambre Syndicale, the organization in charge of the haute couture shows.

In what is an unusual move for the notoriously exclusive committee consisting of design houses such as Armani, Valentino and Elie Saab, a young and independent designer has been granted a spot on the official schedule for the July shows. According to the calendar, his show will take place at the Galerie de la Madeleine where his new store and atelier are based.

The rules of the Chambre Syndicale dictate that Valli - who is famous for his sophisticated ball gowns sure to appear on this year's red carpets at the Cannes film festival - be elected at least five times in order to gain permanent membership.

Dutch designer Iris van Herpen, who built her name with 3D-printed couture over past seasons, was also elected and will equally be showing as part of the official haute couture week that runs in Paris July 4-7.

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