Capstone Collection

Valerian

Named after a small pink and white flower that symbolizes strength, serenity, and readiness, Valerian is a collection that embodies timeless elegance. Inspiration for the collection came from a year-long research project on the 1920s Ballets Russes and vintage evening gowns. The collection interweaves elements from both subjects to create voluminous garments that bridge past and present. The goal was to create a feminine aesthetic that allows the wearer to feel like a modern-day ballerina—someone with grace, determination, and elegance.

Group of five young models standing on steps in front of a historic building, wearing dresses and accessories from the Valerian Collection.

The collection utilizes internal structure to create the dramatic volume and elegant silhouettes characteristic of both ballet costumes and vintage evening gowns. Through techniques such as boning, layering, and carefully engineered construction, each garment balances form and movement, evoking the grace and sophistication of a modern-day ballerina. Rich fabrics and embellishments further elevate the designs, reinforcing the collection’s refined and timeless aesthetic.

Model wearing a corset top with intricate metallic gold embroidery and a gold necklace.
A model in a sleeveless gray top and pale yellow skirt standing outside near brick building columns, wearing silver shoes with ankle straps.
A young woman in a black and white dress sitting on a stone ledge outside wintery brick building with snow and evergreen trees in the background.
A group of five young models in formal dresses standing on the steps in front of a building with an arched entryway.
Illustration of a woman wearing a corset and full, puffy skirt, and high heels.
Illustration of a woman with blonde hair wearing a sleeveless patterned top and a mauve midi skirt with heels.
Drawing of a woman in a strapless black gown with a pink top portion featuring a black flower detail at the center. She has shoulder-length wavy blonde hair and neutral facial expression.
Illustration of a woman with shoulder-length dark hair wearing a sleeveless gray top with black accents, a light yellow skirt with a subtle swirl pattern, sheer tights, and gray high heels.
Illustration of a woman with short brown hair wearing a strapless white and black dress with decorative buttons at the waist.
A young woman dressed in a formal gown standing under an arched doorway with brick walls.
A woman in a black taffeta formal dress standing outside a brick building with large columns and a window.
A young woman standing on the steps outside a building with large columns, wearing a sleeveless grey pleated top, a yellow skirt, and silver high-heeled shoes.
A woman with curly dark hair, and glasses standing outdoors near a brick building with large columns and a wooden door. She is wearing a corset with a laced-up back and a full cream-colored bubble skirt.
Two women dressed in formal evening gowns standing outside a building with a brick and stone archway. Snow covers the ground in the background, and both women appear to be smiling and enjoying each other's company.
A young woman in a pink satin dress and ballet shoes stands outdoors next to a large stone pillar, with a brick building in the background.
Two women walking on a city sidewalk in winter, smiling and dressed in formal gowns, with snow on the ground and bare trees in the background.
A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a black and white dress, black gloves, polka dot shoes and a black headpiece, stands on a stone step outside a building with brick and stone walls, with snow visible on the ground.
A woman with curly dark hair and glasses is wearing a patterned corset and a full white skirt. She is standing outdoors against a brick building and large concrete column, with her hand touching the column.
A woman with dark hair in a bun wearing a grey pleated bodice and yellow skirt, standing on the steps of a brick building. She wears high-heeled shoes and looks to the side.
Group of five women dressed in formal attire posing on steps outside a brick building with decorative stone arch.
A woman in a custom original vintage-inspired pink dress, matching pink shoes, and pearl jewelry is standing outside a brick building with a large column.