Flowers, gardens, and lots and lots of blooming flora was the theme behind Giambattista Valli's Autumn 2012-13 Haute Couture collection. The designer went on an exploration of Mother Nature for his third couture collection. Volume and layers of organza ruffles swirled around necklines, while cocktail dresses rounded out at the hips in a structured bell-shape. A colourful array of prints took over the runway, as models walked out in billowing gowns or in dresses which narrowed in at the waist rather sharply.

With delicate veils covering their faces, Valli's creatures of the garden emerged onto the catwalk like butterflies springing forth from their cocoons. In addition to the wistful nature of this collection, there was also a definite nod to the 1950s thanks to silhouettes that held a distinct Dior feel. According to the The Washington Post, this sparked on more than one occasion "shocked gasps from fashionistas."
On the lips of models, real butterflies were placed or were featured in their hair. In addition, Valli used twisted branches as belts and collars to create a place for butterflies to rest. "Couture is a moment when you go really far from fashion," Valli told Vogue.com. "It's really another thing."
Jessica Stam, who watched on from the front row, revealed her need to own one of the designer's garden-inspired creations. "I'm dying to get into one of those dresses," she said. "I just loved those butterflies." Other well-known faces to attend Valli's AW12 couture show included Anna Wintour and her daughter Bee Shaffer, Francesca Versace, Carine Roitfeld, Vanessa Traina, and Bianca Brandolini D'Adda.