After years of bewilderment, I have finally come to terms with the fact that Haute Couture is not here solely for mine and the masses' entertainment, but that the modern clientelle dictates that the clothing should have a degree of wearability. I thank my blessings for Galliano's theatre, but can also appreciate the exquisite tailoring, craft and detailing of Valentino's pieces. The mandatory 80s style make-up that we see every season is a reminder that Valentino has acheived what he sees as a perfect formula for his 'Valentina', and his job every season is to give her a couple of new pieces that fit into her style, will not age and serve the objective of megawatt glamour and class.
Valentino is not a young London designer that creates new, exciting and challenging concepts, nor is he a showman that explores a different avenue of imagination every season. He does what he does, and has made a pretty good living from it, thank you very much. His face of a thousand tropical holidays tells us that.