Long ago dubbed "The Chic," the couturier who dressed some of the most stylish women in the world--from Jackie Onassis to Audrey Hepburn to Elizabeth Taylor to Babe Paley--was bid "adieu" yesterday by
the House of Valentino. That was the simple title on a surprising statement announcing the retirement of Valentino and his longtime business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, in January.
Only two months ago, sources indicated the duo was close to sealing a three-year contract with the house's new owners, private-equity firm Permira. Those talks appear to have broken down, since
Valentino, 75, will now do only one more ready-to-wear collection, for spring 2008, and one more couture show, in Paris in January.
Sources says Valentino's successor is likely to be
Alessandra Facchinetti, the former women's wear designer at Gucci, who has been spotted working in Valentino's headquarters in Rome. Her contract with sportswear maker Moncler expires with the
fall-winter 2008-09 collection.
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