Paris Fashion Week: Valentino

The award for seamless transition between old designer and new has to go to Alessandra Facchinetti for the collection she showed at Valentino. Yes, it was ever so slightly younger in feel than what Mr. Val would have done -- and flats on the runway would have likely have driven him insane -- but I doubt customers will notice a change. There were stunning evening dresses, chiffon with tiered skirts, a stupendous Valentino red finale and also plenty of little but interesting suits for lunching ladies. The accessories, a strong point of the house in recent years, were notably absent. Shoes were pretty plain and there was not a bag in sight. Perhaps she wanted to make sure the audience attention didn't deviate from the work she'd done on the clothes.

In the front row was Valentino's business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. When I told him I was surprised to see him there he said, "why?" As if he were still employed by the house. He scrutinized each and every look that came down the runway, but it was impossible to tell what he was thinking inside -- or how he'll convey the show to Valentino. He could start by saying that Facchinetti looked great in the clothes when she came out for the bow.