Valentino’s anniversary celebration over the weekend enjoyed the presence of Hollywood movie stars, internationally-known rock icons, supermodels and other fashion powerhouses. Uma Thurman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mick Jagger, Karl Lagerfeld, Donatella Versace, Giorgia Armani and Tom Ford were all on hand to partake in the festivities, which included a fashion show inspired by the elements of the “dolce vita,” celebrating Italian glamour and sensuality. Three days of partying crescendoed in this final extravaganza on the catwalk, which carried on the theme of sophisticated elegance that has marked Valentino’s 45-year career.
“I love Valentino. His dresses are so elegant and feminine. They are a pleasure and a privilege to wear,” Thurman said.
However, the mood was bittersweet in the face of a changing of the guard at the fashion house that once catered to Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn in the 1960s. The wheels have already been set in motion for Permira, a European private equity group to take over operations, with the completion of the process scheduled to take place near the end of the summer. I’m even feeling somewhat sentimental after hearing this news. I’d kind of like a memento to remind me of the era gone by. Does Valentino sell tube socks? I might be able to afford one. Yes, just the one.
(Splash)
More photos (Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Hudson, Sienna Miller, Elizabeth Hurley, Anna Wintour, Uma Thurman, Claire Danes, Gina Lolabrigida, Donatella Versace, Rupert Everett, Claudia Schiffer, Elle MacPherson, Mick Jagger, Joan Collins, Matthew Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker, Eva Mendes) from the Valentino Anniversary Gala after the jump.
