ITALY: Valentino unveils his new collection in Rome in front of an audience full of stars

Valentino reminded a trio of the world's most powerful designers why he's dressed the stars for nearly half a century on Saturday (July 7) as his anniversary celebrations reached a crescendo with an haute couture show. Giorgio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld and Donatella Versace joined A-listers Claudia Schiffer and Elizabeth Hurley on the front row for a catwalk spectacle that drew on the joys of the Italian dolce vita -- opera, glamorous gowns and gelato. 'He's very warm-hearted and generous, a very loyal friend; said Claudia Schiffer. 'It's very hard to imagine a season without seeing some beautiful Valentino dresses, so of course he'll continue', said Elizabeth Hurley. Many saw in these Roman celebrations the sign of Valentino retiring soon from the fashion world, but the Italian designer has repeatedly denied this is a prelude to his retirement. Valentino, famed for his lipstick red evening dresses, gave them a show wreathed with the opulence that has defined his career since he dressed Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the 1960s. It was the centrepiece of three days of parties marking his 45th year as a designer. In a 12th century basilica near the Vatican, models wearing daywear skirt suits webbed with lacework gave way to floor-skimming evening gowns glittering with diamante in blacks, white, pastels and Valentino's signature red. Fur, feathers and embroidery accentuated waists and shoulders while discs of chiffon on coats and sleeves leant the effect of scoops of ice cream. Valentino closed the show in a white suit and in tears met by a standing ovation from the crowd and the strains of Giacomo Puccini's "O mio babbino caro". "It looked like the show of a great beginner with a great future", said Andre Leon Talley, U.S. Vogue editor-at-large and a front row regular for 25 years. As the fashion show was coming to an end, an Asian streaker rushed into the street just outside backstage, and was immediately stopped by police.

ITN Source | July 12, 2007