A Haute Retirement - Valentino Takes His Final Bow

(I know this is a little late---I had to write a news report for my online fashion writing class...so I chose this topic!)

It is official: the fashion industry may never be the same. On Tuesday, September 4, 2007, Valentino Garavani, known best as Valentino, announced his retirement.

“At this time, I have decided that it is the perfect moment to say adieu to the world of fashion,” he declared.

It’s true, the man who spent 45 years on top of the fashion industry decided to retire after celebrating his 45th anniversary in Italy, July 2007.

Valentino showed his last ready-to-wear collection during Paris fashion week in October 2007. Also, his final show, thankfully haute couture, was this past January.

This show was held at the Rodin Museum, in Philadelphia, PA. The attendants consisted of friends, family members, clients, and even some models, who all took up some of the front row. Designers who came out and showed their support for the legend’s finale were Alber Elbaz of Lanvin, Miuccia Prada, and Emanuel Ungaro.

The show consisted of flowing shapes and sorbet colors, along with light day suites. The main focus of the show, however, was the immense details, inspired by nature, that were put into these pieces. From individual strips of satin on suits, to folded hemlines and flower embroideries, these embellishments were the most impressive aspects of the collection.

At the end of the show, the models all came out in identical red dresses, filling the room with a vision of the designer’s favorite color. What an atmosphere to conclude his final show.

Valentino explained his timing for retirement: “As the English say, I would like to leave the party when it is still full.” He couldn’t have left on a better note.
And for those who are curious about Valentino’s plans for the future, he said that his it would be “filled with new interests and challenges”. Hopefully, we will still see him around enough to keep us satisfied, for our hunger for Valentino’s work is going to have to slowly subside, and yet his classic work will never be forgotten. Long live Valentino!