Italian designer Valentino Garavani, whose signature flaming red couture gowns have graced royalty, Hollywood stars and the international jet set for 45 years, announced yesterday (Sept 4) that he was stepping down as head designer of the Valentino fashion house.
In a statement, Valentino said he would complete his work in January, after showing his ready-to-wear collection in Paris in October and his couture collection there in January. No individual successor was named; Valentino said his existing team would continue designing for the house.
The 75-year-old Valentino said he had decided the time was right after he celebrated 45 years in the fashion world with a three-day, star-studded extravaganza in Rome this past July.
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