One of Rome's best-known sons turned the Italian capital into the most fashionable place on the planet at the weekend as Valentino mounted his 45-year anniversary haute couture show in his hometown instead of Paris. Helping him celebrate were illustrious clients and fellow designer pals, including Sarah Jessica Parker, chic in a black silk gown, and Anne Hathaway, who stepped out in a voluminous halterneck gown. And the gorgeous duo were just two in a long line of style fans arriving at the Villa Borghese on Saturday night.
The guest list read like a who's who from both fashion and real royalty with Donatella Versace, Karl Lagerfeld and Elle Macpherson mingling with Marie Chantal of Greece, Princess Caroline of Monaco and her daughter Charlotte Casiraghi.
Known for dressing some of the most famous women in Hollywood, the 75-year-old designer has a penchant for red. So it was no surprise to see several silver screen sirens - from Joan Collins to Sienna Miller - adopting scarlet gowns in his honour for the evening dinner and runway show.
Toasting his longtime friend and business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti recalled first meeting Valentino in Rome when both were penniless young men with a dream. "Fame and fortune have not changed him," he said. "He is still the same little guy I met 45 years ago." The fashion maestro's autumn/winter collection showcased 61 outfits, all worthy of Oscar night, including duchesse satin gowns and beaded column dresses. To mark the anniversary event, Valentino has also launched a new perfume - Rock'n'Rose Couture - which will go on sale in the autumn.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
