A model walks the ramp during the Giles Runway show at London Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2008, Eaton Square in the city centre, London (9/20/2007). Photo Credit: Solarpix / PR PhotosPARIS (AFP) - Tanned and spry as ever, he came out to join his models, clapping as they waited for him at the end of the catwalk.
Backstage, he insisted the time was right to go: "I'm a little emotional but I'm strong. I am leaving the room but the room is still full.
"You have to stop one day. I want to enjoy myself, do other things. I've always been shut up in my fashion house, drawing hundreds and hundreds of sketches every season. I want to stop while I am at the top."
On the runway it was business as usual, full of the smart day wear and red-carpet gowns catering to the every need from dawn to dusk of his celebrity customers.
One after the other he sent out slinky singled-shouldered cocktail frocks with ruched bodices, skirts suits with guipure inserts, halternecks in polka dot silk chiffon with floating ties, and 1950s tea dresses in a red and white print cinched into the waist with a wide scarlet patent leather belt.
His palette was fittingly summery with lots of powder pink and combinations of violet and primrose or turquoise.
As ever, the detailing was fine, like the tiny bows fastening the back of an evening sheath, or adorning a hem, or the ruffles fashioned into a mini bolero.
Maybe not at the cutting edge of fashion, Valentino will be missed by "Val's gals" who want to look feminine and beautiful and never feel foolish.
The final parting is yet to come: Valentino's last couture show will be in January, after which Alessandra Facchinetti takes up the reins.
Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel's artistic director, who showed his own label collection earlier Wednesday, told AFP he regretted Valentino's decision to stop now. "He's on top form, he should go on. He'll get bored."
"All my contracts are for life, it's like a death sentence" the designer, who has a reputation of being a workaholic, added.
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