Valentino hint at new project

Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri have hinted they have a new project on the horizon.

The creative directors of Valentino recently announced they will be launching their menswear collection in a lavish catwalk display in Florence in January.

The duo has now implied the launch isn't the only thing they have in the pipeline.

"Presently we are concentrating on our role as Creative Directors of the Valentino Maison. In the future we plan to do shows also for our Men's collections. We love new projects, which challenge us, such as the Red Valentino collection," the pair told huffingtonpost.com.

The designers also discussed how they work together.

There are certain areas of a woman's body which they feel are best to highlight. Showing the shoulders is one of the reasons they believe Valentino is known as a seductive fashion house.

"In this moment we are very inspired by the sensuality of a woman's neck and shoulders. We love to work on new solutions that enable us to emphasise them through special materials and the use of them in different ways," they explained.

"Seduction is subtly linked to the imaginary. We believe that it is important to describe a more private sensuality, a romanticism made of strong private passions, by highlighting certain parts of the body, such as the neck and the shoulders, so that one can then imagine the rest. It's kind of a subversive elegance."

Meanwhile, the label's namesake Signor Valentino Garavani has revealed an excerpt of what can be expected when the firm's virtual archive museum is made public.

It's due to launch next month, when fashion fans will be able to view 50 years of the designer's creations using their computers. Photos, promos of fashion shows and drawings will all be included in the online museum, as will 300 dresses. Viewers will get a 360-degree look at the frocks and will also have the option of learning about how it was created.

"I see it as part of my legacy," the designer told WWD. "I am happy that thousands of students, young designers and fashion people will be able to see and study my work in every aspect of it, and in a manner easy and accessible for the younger generations."

- AAP