Tribal chic is the look for next spring at Valentino

Valentino went on a fashionable pilgrimage towards African climes in Tuesday's Spring / Summer 2016 presentation at Paris Fashion Week.

Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli took Rome as the collection's departure point -- literally, starting the show with simple shift dresses in chocolate tones and wrap-around sandals. A series of sexy leather dresses featuring cladding, sheer panels and brass studs and eyelets appeared to draw inspiration from the gladiators, with lace inserts adding an element of romance and modernity.

However the main influence was undoubtedly tribal, with the collection comprising sweeping tunics and silk animal-patterned dresses in rich burgundies, lush greens and savannah oranges along with beaded mini skirts and embroidered hemlines. Bold wooden ornamental necklaces and ivory-look pendants acted as collars to accessorize the pieces, along with the liberal use of feathers. The collection wrapped up with a series of red carpet-worthy, semi-sheer chiffon gowns that were almost Grecian in structure but featured intricate webbing in abstract patterns that spoke clearly of Africa.

Elsewhere on the catwalks, French designer Vanessa Seward also appeared to reference hotter climes with a chic collection of elegant separates crafted from tan suede, rusty burgundy tones and deep, ocean blues. The tailoring was fluid but cut close to the body, resulting in a lean yet relaxed silhouette that encompassed floor-length shirtdresses and cargo shorts. Valentin Yudashkin, meanwhile, went in a completely different direction with a sports luxe collection featuring high-voltage neons, plentiful mesh panelling and billowing evening dresses.