Online shopping

In a briefer statement that underscored his role as Valentino’s facilitator, Giammetti said: “I feel honored and infinitely grateful to have been working with such a powerful creative force in the making of a prestigious international brand.”
That brand has been controlled since earlier this year by Permira, the private equity group based in London. Permira is in the process of completing the €2.6 billion, or $3.5 billion, buyout – which includes the more lucrative Hugo Boss brand – from the Marzotto Group, which bought it in 2002.

Although Valentino had repeatedly declined to comment on his presumed departure, it was generally assumed that Permira would look for younger talent, perhaps with Valentino as a consultant.The fact the announcement was not made jointly with Permira suggested that there could have been some conflict. But it could equally be because no successor has yet been found. Permira had no immediate comment.

In a dramatic gesture on the eve of the international GUCCI collections, Valentino, with his partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, announced Tuesday that both would resign from the Valentino company in early 2008. The news ended speculation that has buzzed around the GUCCI house since a star-studded gala in Rome in July celebrating the iconic Italian couturier’s 45 years in the business.

It’s good to see Lois being acknowledged like this, and some of the tribute covers stand up well, but it’s pretty hit-and-miss as each of the tribute covers feature a GUCCI designer shot by a different photographer, meaning some of the new covers are quite far from the originals.