Valentino: Who Knew You Had It In You?

So Valentino, the Shiek of Chic, left with a bang. Not only was his last haute couture show one of his most beautiful shows ever but the courtly gentleman took ample time to dis his peers. Something that happens way too infrequently in fashion. At least in public. Here's what he said: Miuccia Prada: "knows what she wants ... even if we don't share ideas about clothes." Giorgio Armani: "In the course of 40 years, he has created a great style -- but vulgar." Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana: "Shy at the beginning -- now arrogant." Donatella Versace: "[Her brother] Gianni's talent was unique -- but what grit she has!" Alberta Fachinetti, his successor: "I've met her, she's pretty, I gave her some tips. My great regret is that I didn't raise a successor." But his worst criticism was reserved for the industry itself: "This environment is no longer stimulating. I certainly won't miss the fashion world. It's ruined. Everybody's doing the same things. What's missing is challenge, creativity, cheerfulness. These days it's all about numbers. To continue working in an environment which says nothing in particular to me would be a bore." Not to mention that there was no way the new owners were going to continue to pay for the elaborate lifestyles of he and his partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Fair enough, given what they already paid for the brand. But let's hope that they didn't kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. I wouldn't want to be in Fachinetti's shoes right now. □