Paris Fashion Week: Valentino. It Ain't Over Til It Is Over

If you thought that Valentino's last ready to wear show was going to be a tear-jerker you couldn't have been more wrong. From the bright colors to the peppy music, Val was clearly telling the new owners of his brand that he had plenty of stuff left in him. Val, we think, was unceremoniously (or, make that very ceremoniously, he and his pal Giancarlo Giammetti threw the parties of the year this summer ostensibly for Val's 45th Anniversary but everyone knew it was his swan song) dumped by the private equity group Permira sooner than was expected. Why? Well, Val is expensive. But he makes clothes for people who like expensive things. He hangs out in expensive places. Val literally smells expensive. Anyway, the accessories, a strong point since he stole the team responsible for the Fendi baguette, were spot on. If you have been waiting to buy that one special Valentino dress, bag or pair of shoes -- this is the collection you want to buy it from. He got a standing ovation at today's show. We'll save the tears for couture. □