valentino and giorgio armani at val’s 45th anniversary party
valentino garavani announced today that he will be stepping down from his namesake label right after the january couture shows. a statement from the desginer, posted on iht:
“Last July, in Rome, I celebrated my 45th Anniversary in Fashion. It was a moment of infinite magic and tremendous joy, and I cannot fully express with words how deeply moved I was by the occasion. I received an outpouring of good wishes from all over the world, which brought me great satisfaction. I was very touched that friends-old and new-traveled from far reaches to be a part of the Festivities.
It was a moment that will be impossible to repeat.
And so, at this time, I have decided that is the perfect moment to say adieu to the world of fashion.
As the English say, I would like to leave the party when it is still full.
My future will be filled with new interests and challenges. Some may be linked to fashion, as I have a strong desire to create and support institutions to promote the study of fashion design, and to preserve the history of the art of fashion. It will be a marvelous continuation of this amazing adventure that I had the privilege to have.
Even as a young boy, my passion was to design, and I have been very lucky to be able to do what I have loved all my life. There can be few greater gifts than that. I am especially grateful that I have been able to keep my own style over the decades, in spite of the many changes that have taken place in the world of fashion and in its business.
I will perform my work until the end of January 2008. I am currently working on my final ready-to-wear collection to be shown in Paris this October. Following that, I will create my last collection of haute couture to be shown in Paris in January.
I realize the house that carries my name will go through some changes but I wish to think that the team of designers of the various lines – some of whom have been working by my side of many years – will make me proud of Valentino’s products.
My most emotional thanks go to the thousands of people in fashion, and to those the world over who have supported me all of these years. Finally, a special word of heartfelt thanks to my associates who have helped me make my work a success.”
i’m a bit baffled as to why valentino is retiring after the couture shows…his 45th anniversary collection in july was extraordinary and i don’t think he can top that. now all eyes will be on who will take over the line. will it be rumoured front runner alessandra facchinetti (formerly of gucci)? tongues are also wagging that wonderboy zac posen is in the hunt. i sincerely hope not…his ego is big enough as it is for someone who really hasn’t done all that much.
whatever happens, the fashion world is losing a true original, an icon of style, taste and refinement…a man who loved to dress women and make them feel their most beautiful.