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Final Valentino haute couture runway show S/S ‘08

Your final haute couture show is never the time for reservations and Valentino pulled out all the stops for his final final bow. There were day suits for the ladies who lunch, party frocks for the cocktail set, evening gowns for the red carpet mavens, and something for everyone who has ever been a fan or a follower.

These classic feminine looks were every bit Valentino, but amped up to the nth degree. Floral explosions covered dresses in long lengths and knee skimming mini looks. Even the classic LBD was there but made special with a sequins and circlet appliqués. My favorite looks, however, were the wedding whites. Chanel Iman’s spaghetti-strapped gown with tiers of lace on top of lace looked stunning and I loved the crystal embellishments of this shirt-dress styled gown.

Just before Valentino’s final bow, a line of models filed out, each wearing one of Valentino’s signature red dresses.

Valentino did not go softly into the night and his exit isn’t one that will go unnoticed. He’s been lauded by fashion critics, celebrated by his peers, and applauded by fans. However the next page in Valentino history reads, Valentino Garavani has left the house with a rich legacy of inspiration to draw upon.

Fade to black.

Armani Prive haute couture runway S/S 2008

Fashion insiders including French Vogue’s Carine Roitfeld as well as fashion-forward celebs like Sophia Loren, Hilary Swank, and Dita von Teese lined the front row to see Armani debut his spring/summer haute couture collection in Paris. Armani Prive hung its haute couture hat on a collection of elegant cocktail and evening frocks that were wearable and accessible for every woman…as long as your money is long.

Armani paired balloon shaped skirts with fitted jackets to create a tailored cocktail look that was part office and part evening. Other evening looks layered tiers of feminine organza that hovered around the knee. Rather than rely on theatrics, Armani turned out an understated collection of expertly tailored looks that created interest with geometric shapes, rich fabrics, and eye-catching patterns.

Christian Lacroix Haute Couture runway S/S 2008

Christian Lacroix is another designer looking toward a more colorful Spring. Like John Galliano’s Dior, Lacroix played with color and volume to wondrous effect. His dresses were airy confections of lace, tulle, and chiffon. The designer created playful looks by mixing patterns and combining colorful tights with black and white checked shoes.

My favorite pieces from this couture show were the intricately embroidered bolero jackets and the brilliant, sea green evening gown with hand pleating all over the bodice.

Chanel Iman walks the Christian Dior Haute Couture runway S/S 2008

John Galliano pulled out all the tricks in his sewing kit for a haute couture show that was a throwback to 1960’s glamour and futurism. Chanel Iman and Sasha Pivarova walked in looks that embraced juicy color and airy volume. Models teetered on mile-high platform shoes with cut-out heels in colors like lemony yellow, apple green, and royal purple. Hair and makeup were as much the star of the show as the clothes with intricate updos and fluttering feather lashes.

A super-sized Chanel jacket was the highlight of the haute couture show

Kudos to Karl Lagerfeld for interesting runway design. During the haute couture runway show, models emerged from a massive replica of the classic Chanel jacket.