Paris Fashion Week, Spring 2008: Valentino

Addio, Valentino!

Take a good long look ladies, you're witnessing a moment in fashion history — a designer great's last collection. Consummately Val, the collection was rich & colorful, with plenty of polka dots, ruffles, bows, and beautiful gowns to go around. But he didn't get mired in the past; instead, he added some unexpected elements to keep it fresh — such as twisted pleating, 3-D garlands of petals, and colorblocking.

Then came the gowns, oh how those Valentino gowns will be missed (Alessandra Facchinetti, you've got quite the duty ahead of you). Mermaid, column, one-shoulder, and strapless were all present, looking as gorgeous as ever. It's the end of an era, but what an end it was...

To see more of Val's last hoorah, read more