Collection: Valenciani

Valenciani is a Vietnamese designer label defined by opulent, special-occasion dressing. Its dresses, tops and bottoms are cut from fabrics like silk, wool and brocade to contour the figure precisely, then finished with fringe, beads, sequins or applique. MEAN BLVD carries a wide range of Valenciani maxi, midi and mini dresses alongside a smaller group of shirts, skirts, trousers and scarves.

About Valenciani

The Valenciani look

Fringe is the first signature. The Violaine Fringe Midi Dress is a sleeveless straight column with a straight-across neckline and fringe over the body, and the Jellyfish Fringe Midi Dress, the Virelle Fringe Maxi Dress and the Nerissa Halter Fringe Maxi Dress carry the idea to other lengths. The Fringed Scarf, from the Petal Drift collection, lets you add the texture to a plain dress. Beadwork is the second: the Liora Cocoon Bead Maxi Dress, the Ysabel One Shoulder Bead Maxi Dress and the Eirene Cuff Sleeve Bead Midi Dress are hand-finished.

Cape sleeves run through the evening range. The Nyx Cape Sleeve Synthetic Silk Maxi Dress, the Vespera Cape Sleeve Pleated Maxi Dress, the Solene Cape Sleeve Pleated Maxi Dress and the Elowen Cape Sleeve Bead Maxi Dress all pair a long column with a cape that falls from the shoulder. The Dahlia Asymmetric Maxi Dress is a halter-neck gown with sculptural drape, and the Ophelia One Shoulder Rhinestone Maxi Dress is the most embellished single piece. At the short end, the Elowen Ruffle Mini Dress is an off-shoulder blouson with poet sleeves and layered ruffles.

Separates and sets

Valenciani does not run named capsules at MEAN BLVD, but it does design in families. The Elodie Pleated Pants and the Elodie Blouson Shirt, the Calienne Draped Pants and the Calienne Straight Blazer, and the Amelie Pleated Skirt and the Amelie Tie Shirt each make a complete look, and the Elienne Straight Set is sold as one. These sit in the Co-ord Sets edit. The cape-sleeve gowns are also collected in the store-wide Cape Sleeve Dresses edit.

When to wear Valenciani

The tags are weddings, wedding guest, anniversaries, birthdays, cocktail parties and vacation evenings. The fringe midis are made for cocktail receptions; the beaded and cape-sleeve maxis for receptions and galas. For Gulf customers, the cape-sleeve maxi dresses cover the shoulders and arms at floor length, and the Maristella Collared Maxi Dress and the Maelle Sheath Button Midi Dress close the neckline.

How does Valenciani fit?

Fitted. The brand's own description says the fabrics contour the figure, and the columns, sheaths and bodycon minis are cut close. Many styles are listed with customizable collar and sleeve options.

How should I style the embellished pieces?

One statement at a time. A fringe midi wants plain heels and bare jewelry; a beaded gown wants a clean updo.

Where else should I look?

The Gowns edit gathers floor-length options from across MEAN BLVD, the Wedding Guest edit covers midi and maxi event dressing, and the Party Clothing edit holds shorter cocktail styles.