Macy's snags big name Italian designer for capsule collection

NEW YORK — Macy’s announced Giambattista Valli as the fourth designer in its collaboration series to create a capsule collection for the retailer’s fashion “Impulse” department later this fall. Known for extravagant designs and great party dresses, the collection will be Valli’s first foray into affordable fashion, the company reported.

Launching on Oct. 26 with limited-edition women’s apparel pieces, the “Giambattista Valli for Impulse Only at Macy’s” collection will be sold in approximately 225 Macy’s stores nationwide and on macys.com.

“This capsule reflects my enduring loves, but is really a celebration of my biggest inspiration of all - the energy and vitality of women themselves,” said Valli. “I love dressing them for all their happiest moments, making them feel as special as possible. This collection is a passport into my world and a chance to experience the passion and romance of my house and Paris itself."

Priced on average from $50 to $150, the line will feature cocktail dresses, flirty skirts, feminine blouses, lightweight jackets, edgy pants and graphic t-shirts, the company reported.

“It is a tribute to the success of this capsule series for Macy’s to partner with Giambattista Valli on his first venture into affordable luxury goods,” said Jeff Gennette, Macy’s chief merchandising officer. “He is a visionary talent known for extravagant designs, so heading into the holiday season is a perfect moment for his creations in our stores. This collection strikes just the right balance between youthfulness and sophistication, speaking directly to our fashion ‘Impulse’ customer.”

Valli is an Italian-born designer whose style is influenced bythe movies of Antonioni and the watercolors of Yves Saint Laurent and the drawings of Gruau. Valli enrolled in the Istituto Europeo del Design in 1986 and then in an illustration class at Central St. Martin's School of Arts in London in 1987. After, he studied under Roberto Capucci in Italy. After a two year period with Capucci, the Fendi family called him to oversee, as senior designer, the newly born Fendissime ine. There he experimented with prêt-à-porter in the world of the young, hip Roman clientele.

Appointed senior designer for Krizia in 1995, Valli then quickly made his two great dreams become a reality in 1997. After moving to Paris and the opportunity to combine his prêt-à-porter and couture sensibilities, he met Emanuel Ungaro, for whom he headed the design studio alongside until 2001. Launching his own collection in March 2005, Valli held his first solo show in Paris. Showing twice a year during Paris Fashion Week, his collections are sought after by international style icons..