La Pleat: Asymmetrical pleating/fanning on a silk zibeline red coat at Valentino CoutureBelow are photos and the runway show for Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2009, which was shown at the grand domed lecture theater in the Sorbonne. In Paris, of course. This was the first Couture design outing for former Valentino Accessories designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli.
Most Ordered Dress: If I was a millionaire, a woman and living in Dubai, I would order this hand-pleated-into-an-oversized-rosette cocktail numberEveryone eagerly awaited to see this new stage of Valentino Couture, especially after the "unceremonious" departure (OK, she got "let go") of designer Alessandra Facchianetti. Facchianetti, if you remember was brought in as the new designer to replace the GOD himself, but after only one Couture Collection--which incidentally got wonderful reviews for being "fresh", "modern" and basically calling it a new stage of the Valentino legacy. Not so much.
Oscar Anyone? A strapless beaded Valentino Couture gown (costing six figures!) that an actress may borrow for free for the OscarsHer replacements did a beautiful job with their first Haute Couture Collection for the legendary house. Nothing shocking, every suit impeccably made and tailored for all the Valentino Ladies Who Lunch"; Princess Marie Chantal and her European Royal cousins will be happy. So will Empress Farah Dibah of Iran, Queen Sofia of Spain and countless other women of "established" taste and deep Swiss bank accounts. There were also plenty of "Oscar"-worthy gowns we should see February 22nd--if those stylists can get the Valentino PR Office to Fed Ex them next day delivery!
Click BELOW for the entire runway show of Valentino Spring 2009 Haute Couture