[Anyone] BREAKING NEWS

[Mike in Taos]

BREAKING NEWS: VALENTINO RESIGNS

The house of Valentino has confirmed that Valentino will step down

VALENTINO has confirmed this afternoon that he will step down from the 
company he founded in 1960 after just one more ready-to-wear show and one 
more Haute Couture season. "My future will be filled with new interests and 
challenges," he says. "Some may be linked to fashion, as I have a strong 
desire to create and support institutions to promote the study of fashion 
design, and to preserve the history of the art of fashion. It will be a 
marvellous continuation of this amazing adventure that I had the privilege 
to have. Even as a young boy, my passion was to design, and I have been very 
lucky to be able to do what I have loved all my life." The designer who 
famously once announed that "red is the only colour after black and white", 
threw a lavish, three-day party in July to celebrate 45 years in the 
industry. Speculation has been rife since Permira bought the Valentino 
Fashion Group, which owns Hugo Boss, M Missoni and Marlboro Classics as well 
as a 45 per cent stake in Proenza Schouler, earlier this year that Valentino 
and his business partner Giancarlo Giammetti would step down but they have 
repeatedly denied any plans to do so. Now the race is on for who will 
replace him... Surely it's one of fashion's most glamorous jobs: former 
Gucci designer Alessandra Facchinetti is thought to be first in line as a 
replacement, with Giambattistta Valli, Stefano Pilati and Proenza Schouler 
duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez in hot pursuit. "I realise the 
house that carries my name will go through some changes but I wish to think 
that the team of designers of the various lines - some of whom have been 
working by my side for many years - will ma
ke me proud of Valentino's products," the designer adds. "My most emotional 
thanks go to the thousands of people in fashion, and to those the world over 
who have supported me all of these years. Finally, a special word of 
heartfelt thanks to my associates who have helped me make my work a 
success."

_________________________________________________________________
A place for moms to take a break! 
http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us