Why the Softest Looks This Season Point Back to Valentino, Spring 1997

The industry has turned toward the unabashedly pretty, and the clearest reference is Valentino's spring 1997 season. Seen from Palm Beach or Beverly Hills, it's a useful reminder that a feminine silhouette reads as conviction, not nostalgia. Before you call the current mood new, it's worth looking back at that Valentino lineup, which reached grace and appeal nearly three decades ago.

With reporting from WWD.