Image: finchsquarterly

Rumours are rife that Tom Ford is set to make a return to the catwalk. The designer-turned-film-director is said to be looking to raise funds to launch his own womenswear label. The designer, who has worked for the likes of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.
Ford’s former right-hand woman at Gucci, Alessandra Facchinetti, is rumoured to already be working on Ford’s new designsAlessandra Facchinetti would (pictured below).[ source]

Image:modeview

Alessandra Facchinetti worked as head designer for womenswear at Gucci and Valentino.

Ci sono addii che non durano a lungo, nel mondo della moda poi, dove tutto si brucia in una stagione, gli addii si possono trasformarsi in arrivederci. Tom Ford, che di recente ha presentato al Festival Internazionale del Cinema di Venezia il film A Single Man, non solo non ha lasciato la moda per il cinema, ma soprattutto non ha mai abbandonato il sogno di realizzare una linea da donna – visto che molte, durante il suo magico periodo da Gucci, le ha fatte sognare lasciando una traccia indelebile -. Secondo alcuni rumors, l’eclettico stilista starebbe pensando da tempo a una linea femminile e per questo, sempre secondo alcune indiscrezioni, vorrebbe richiamare con sè Alessandra Facchinetti – che di recente ha opposto un gentile” no grazie” alla proposta di realizzare una linea del Billionarie. C’è un limite a tutto – e ricostituire parte dell’équipe che tanto successo ebbe ai tempi della sua direzione artistica di Gucci – senza, ovviamente, Frida Giannini -. La realizzazione della nuova linea dovrebbe richiedere un budget di circa 50 milioni di dollari.

Boatos diziam que Tom Ford, com a ajuda de Alessandra Facchinetti (ex-Valentino), queria voltar a fazer coleções femininas, algo que desde sua saída da Gucci, não mais fez (e dizia que assim seria por um bom tempo!).
Pois os boatos são verdadeiros e ele agora está a procura de investidores pra financiar a tal coleção!
Investidores, uni-vós por um mundo mais lindo, elegante e sexy!

Agradeço desde já!

Valentino Spring/Summer 2009

Simple but chic, glam and ultra luxurious. That is the latest Valentino ad, with Andrés Valencoso and Stephanie Seymour as the faces of the campaign, and a minimalist concept with photos by  Mert Alas y Marcus Piggot, the clothes and accesories steal all the attention with the main role on it.

The latest collection signed by Alessandra Facchinetti, shows Stephanie emerging like a Greek goddess, with beautiful dresses full of draping, crafty details, silks and asymmetrical cuts that mix with minidresses drown in the most luxurious jewels in the most vibrant colors of the palette.

With a nude Seymour looking stunning, the Valentino Red and the cobalt blue stand out in the most feminine and coveted pieces signed by the Italian house. While Velencoso gives us a masculine touch that we thank for his grace, elegance and poise.

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-Balmain designer Christophe Decarnin showed his collection last thursday in the midst of the label’s huge success. Other designers may be feeling the blow of the economy, but the Balmain label continues to grow stronger and seel more. Proof of this was very evident during his latest collection; his T-shirts cost $1,500, the jackets cost $5,000. While most designers have cut their costs way back and are facing a huge drop in sale, the Blamin label is coveted by almost everyone rich enough to buy it. His latest jeans sold out in London, sales volume is sky-rocketing, they’re starting a new line of shoes and retailers are forced to put people on waiting-lists for Balmain pieces. It’s much like the essence of Hermes at the moment.

-Pictures of  the crying Lithuanian model Auguste Abeliunaite on the Jil Sander runway has the fashion industry buzzing. What was first thought to be a “part of the show”, it quickly became evident that Auguste was the only model with tears streaming down her face. While no statement or explanation has been released, it’s quite possible she isn’t actually “crying”. Tanya D was once filmed backstage a fashion show with tears streaming down her face; when questioned, she revealed that constant application and cleansing of makeup can get very irritating to the skin and eyes; And it is fashion week.

-Rumours suggest that Tom Ford will soon be expanding to womenswear. The word in Milan is that Alessandra Facchinetti, who was let go from the Valentino label last year, will be heading the new Tom Ford line. Facchinetti was top womenswear designer underneath Tom Ford at Gucci, and was obviously impressed with her work.

-Marc Jacobs recently donated his personal orange iPod complete with his autograph, in order to raise money for Music Rising, which aims to revive the musical culture of the Gulf Coast. Want to know what he listens to? A few songs found in his playlist were “No Scrubs” by TLC, “Pokerface” by Lady Gaga, “Borederline” by Madonna and “Circus” by Britney Spears. Looks like Marc has a thing for pop!

-Lindsay Lohan makes yet another fashion mistake, as she was spotted in London sporting stockings as pants. Pictures likely to surface ASAP!

-Heidi Klum has a new makeup collection for Victoria’s Secret, a gorgeous palette that’s subtle and sexy. For only $49 (US), the kit comes in a beautiful white case. The set includes a Lip Gloss in Blush,  Quad Eye Shadow set in 4 complimentary shades, a Highlighter/Blush Duo, and High Definition Mascara. Order online or through their catalogue.

Cream-coloured silk chiffon and satin, embellishments and gold jewellery: a romantic and airy collection for a new Valentino woman.

For the first time, I fell in love with Valentino, really. This Spring-Summer, I want to wear nothing but cream or navy short dresses that flow and feel soft on the skin, gold sandals and nature-inspired jewellery. Maybe also a few embellished and sequined mini-dresses and flats, reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties.

Spring is my favourite season, and the good news is you don’t even need to be tanned yet to wear cream colours because they look good on everyone anyway! And as Trend-Forecaster-Extraordinaire JR  announced: Versailles is the colour of the season!

So pull your hair in a sophisticated bun, Ladies, a little of smokey eye, and one of these delicate pleated dresses, and head to your Sunday Brunch or Afternoon Tea – but don’t forget a cardigan, or the beautiful jacket above, for Spring is unpredictable.

But Alessandra Facchinetti has not forgotten Valentino’s famous evening gowns: ravishing Venetian drapes in nude colours, soft lilac and sheer blue. To be worn with jewelled encrusted and embellished clutches and gloves.

I thought Alessandra showed her talent and impeccable savoir-faire with this feminine collection: she managed to keep Valentino’s iconic spirit of style and elegance, while bringing a touch of individuality with the ‘too-much’ jewellery’, restricted palette of shades and gloves à-la-Karl.

But apparently, the people behind the house management and HR did not think so, and after only two seasons for Valentino, Alessandra has been asked to leave. How can brands have anymore consistency when their designers change every year? It’s difficult enough to follow the steps of the fashion Masters (Coco, Christian or Mr Valentino himself) so at least let the younger talents show what they can do and give a modern edge to the classics!

Pictures: Style.com. Collage: Alize Morand

Facchinetti Deja Valentino.

Uno de los rumores que circulaban con mas fuerza en la industria fashion, finalmente ha llegado a su fin. Tras el anuncio del consejero delegado de la empresa, Stefano Sassi, se logró confirmar que la colección Primavera/Verano 2009, sería la última que Alessandra Facchinetti presentaría para Valentino. Tras dos temporadas Fachinetti no logró ganarse la crítica ni a los seguidores de la marca. Maria Grazia Chiuri y Pier Paolo Piccioli, hasta ahora diseñadores de los accesorios de la firma, están ahora a la cabeza de la casa. 

Giancarlo Giammetti, fiel colaborador de Garavani durante toda su trayectoria, manifestó su conformidad con la decisión, al considerar absurda la intención de Fachinetti de “transformar y revolucionar el estilo de Valentino”. Según Giametti, el sello del maestro únicamente puede ser actualizado “por aquellos que lo aman, respetan y, por encima de todo, lo conocen a la perfección”. Es el caso, añade, de Pier Paolo Piccioli y Maria Grazia Chiuri. 

Valentino Garavani también ha apoyado públicamente al nuevo dúo creativo. Chiuri y Piccioli son, en palabras del maestro, “profesionales serios y capacitados” que han trabajado a su lado durante muchos años, demostrando “un gran respeto y amor” por su trabajo. En su opinión, Facchinetti no supo aprovechar el extenso archivo de la firma, “que contiene miles de vestidos de los que es posible tomar la inspiración para crear un producto Valentino acorde con los tiempos que corren”.

Facchinetti tiene una historia parecida en Gucci, donde sustituyó a Tom Ford pero sólo durante la primera temporada siendo sustituida, casualmente como ahora, por la persona encargada del diseño de la línea de accesorios, la ahora ya célebre Frida Giannini.

The amazing British model Erin O’Connor was standing outside The Ritz on the Place Vendome as I wandered towards the door. I was a good bit early for my meeting with SJ and Caroline from Anya Hindmarch, who had invited me out for dinner and drinks after finishing work, but I already had an idea in mind of how to pass the time. Several months ago now, I read in the Telegraph an article by Jefferson Hack, publisher of Dazed&Confused and ex-boyfriend of Kate Moss, talking about The Ritz’s Bar Hemingway. Apparently there is a typewriter kept behind the bar and you can type up a letter which the barman will then keep behind the bar until the intended recipient comes to collect it – a super chic version of poste restante as it were! I tucked my BlackBerry into my coat and decided to check out this intriguing olde worlde concept, without knowing what or to whom I would actually write.

On the way to Bar Hemingway I passed Mohammed Al Fayed, owner of the Ritz (and father of the late Dodi, Princess Diana’s companion on the fateful night of her death) was sitting discretely in a armchair in the main hotel corridor, watching the world go by. It’s always nice to see a business person who keeps a close eye on proceedings. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to proceed very far with my letter writing campaign however because it turned out that the typewriters were out of action. It was fashion week after all, and I had visions of Jefferson Hack et al typing up a storm over cocktails. My induction into their Drop Dead Letter Club would have to wait until another time.

Instead, I wandered back to the hotel’s Salle Psyche, which had been converted into a temporary Anya Hindmarch showroom, and took up residence on the sofa outside. While waiting for the girls, I picked up a copy of the International Herald Tribune. Suzy Menkes was reporting a rumour that this would be Alessandra Facchinetti’s last season at Valentino. Only time would tell if the murmurings were true.

[Image via madame.lefigaro.fr]

Aww poor Alessandra. I really do love her designs but they just don’t fit under the label of “Valentino”. To me, Valentino is all about, glamour, feminine sex appeal, bright colours and shiny, glittery fabric. But Alessandra’s Valentino is muted, sofy, drape-y, feminine demure-ty, I love that look, just not for Valentino. I would praise this collection if it was under Alessandra’s name but it’s not… I hope one day she will have her own label. I’m not surprised that she’s been “dismissed” from the house of Valentino, I wish Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli all the luck and hope they bring the bright colours and ‘hardcore’ glamour back. But I applaud Alessandra for bringing the flat evening shoe into view.

(click to enlarge)

XXASAB

Maria Grazia Chiuri e Pier Paolo Piccioli (que inclusive já assinaram os acessórios da marca e são presença na folha de pagamento há muito tempo).

Alessandra Facchinetti REALMENTE NÃO ESTÁ MAIS NA DIREÇÃO CRIATIVA DA MARCA.

        Si ya lo decía la Missoni en el slogan del perfume aquél de su marca homónima y en cuyo anuncio, además, salía ella misma (¿esto es ser apañada, ahorrativa o ególatra? I wonder…).

        Pero yo este invierno ando demasiado empecinada en adentrarme en el mundo del negro -contra todo pronóstico- a no ser que me encuentre con algo medio inspirador que me salve de la catástrofe, como algunas de las combinaciones para el verano que viene, que no parecen demasiado verano, todo sea dicho.

       Y puestos a decir, la que se ha quedado a cuadros, que no a colori, ha debido ser Alessandra Facchinetti, directora creativa de Valentino hasta el momento justo en que se enteró de que ya no lo era, porque en la prensa anunciaban que la iban a sustituir los encargados de las líneas de complementos Maria Grazia Chiuri y Pier Paolo Piccioli.

        “Siento un profundo pesar por haberme enterado por medio de la prensa. Esta noticia fue una gran sorpresa, ya que la alta dirección debería habérmelo dicho primero a mí.” Feo, feo, Valen… esto no tiene nombre. Bueno, sí que lo tiene; pero es, eso, feo, feo.

      La que se ha echado a temblar sólo de pensar en que pueda ser la próxima es la pobre Hannah McGibbon, que acaba de estrenarse en Chloé sustituyendo a Paulo Melim Andersson que, a su vez, sustituía a Phoebe Philo que, a su vez, era claramente insustituible y que ahora, tras rumores, desmentidos, y demás Chanel sí-Chanel no resulta que se nos va a Celine… Ella sabrá.

Sostituire qualcuno non è mai facile, sostituire un mito è quasi impossibile. Nonostante questo, pensavo che lei ce l’avrebbe fatta: con la sua grinta, la determinazione, un grandissimo talento e, a mio parere, la giusta creatività per emergere. Qui però stiamo parlando di alta moda, di una delle maison più conosciute e apprezzate nel mondo: Valentino. Forse queste qualità non bastano. Dopo l’addio dello stilista, un anno fa, la direzione creativa è stata affidata ad Alessandra Facchinetti, ma solo per due stagioni. E’ di questi giorni, infatti, la sostituzione della giovane stilista con una coppia creativa già presente nel team della maison. I vertici dichiarano che la designer non ha saputo “fare squadra” e le sue collezioni si sono dimostrate poco in linea con lo stile Valentino. Detto in altre parole: non hanno venduto abbastanza, non hanno convinto i compratori storici. Urge tornare sui binari di sempre. Perché? Perché Facchinetti non è stata capita. Non lo era stata neanche da Gucci, dove, a mio parere, aveva proposto una delle collezioni più interessanti degli ultimi anni, ma non era stato dato al pubblico il tempo di abituarvisi. Cambiando l’ordine dei fattori, il risultato non cambia: la creatività non basta, quando si entra a far parte di realtà di questo calibro. Si è sempre “ospiti”. Non è questo il posto di Alessandra Facchinetti. Concordo con la soluzione proposta da molti: reinventarsi e tornare in passerella con una collezione indipendente per dimostrare una volta per tutte il suo talento. I compratori si metteranno in fila.

In questo blog, ogni tanto, mi diverto a non avere confini. Infatti molte volte non parlo solo di tv ma anche di musica, gossip, cinema e stranezze del web.

Oggi mi voglio occupare anche di… moda.

Infatti è frescala notizia che Alessandra Facchinetti, che per circa un anno è stata la direttrice creativa di Valentino Spa è stata dimessa per alcuni malinstesi con la visione aziendale.

Al suo posto arrivano ben 2 nuovi direttori: Maria Grazia Chiuri e Piero Paolo Piccolini. I due hanno lavorato per molti anni al fianco di Valentino Garavani e hanno dato vita alla collezione di accessori Valentino.

Vor ein paar Monaten hieß es an der Stelle noch “Vale Valentino”, als der Altmeister seinen Ruhestand einläutete. Nachfolgerin war Alessandra Facchinetti, die eine hochumjubelte Debüt-Kollektion hinlegte – Verjüngung für das Haus, aber gemäßigt. Scheint trotzdem nicht gut anzukommen, zumindest intern, wie gemunkelt wird. Sie habe sich in punkto Designausrichtung und Produktionskosten nicht mit dem Management einigen können, angeblich. Heißt: Frau Facchinetti zeigte gestern ihre zweite und letzte Kollektion für das Haus Valentino. Ab Winter sollen die inhouse Accessoires-Designer Maria Grazia Chiuri und Pier Paolo Piccioli übernehmen (zwischendurch war auch mal Giambattista Valli im Gespräch). So schnell geht es dieser Tage, Designer werden gewechselt wie Unterhosen. Schwer für ein Haus, seine Linie zu finden, wenn den Kreativen nicht einmal mehr als zwei Saisons Zeit gelassen wird (siehe auch Chloé, Ungaro oder Cerruti).
Nichtsdestotrotz erscheint mir auch Facchinettis zweite Kollektion eine gelungene, leichter und zarter, mehr Haute Couture als Ready-to-Wear, dennoch tragbar, zeitlos elegant und dennoch ausreichend modern. Mir gefallen die farblichen Gegenpole zwischen Valentino-Rot, Edelstein-Tönen, Schwarz und Puder – und als kleines Detail: dass auch Ballerinas zum Abendkleid gut aussehen.

Fotos: stardustfashion.com

After flipping through the Giambattista Valli slideshow yeterday, all I could think about was Gwen Stefani crooning in her up-tempo dance hit Now That You’ve Got It:

“Now that I’m your baby/The things you promised me/Now I want/Now that you got it/What you gon’ do about it?”

If the rumors are to be believed, Mr. Valli will be replacing Alessandra Facchinetti at Valentino after this season — fitting, since Valli turned his spring ‘09 collection into a preview, if you will, of what we all should expect from the man rumored to be behind Valentino’s legacy of luxury and style.

All of the looks reeked of old Hollywood glamour, which is never a bad thing when you’re looking to court those famous starlets like Mr. Valentino use to do effortlessly, ahem, Gwenyth Paltrow. This should be interesting…

Alessandra Facchinetti at Valentino: The Last Emperor party

Alessandra Facchinetti, the creative director for Valentino, wore an olive-green creation from the house of Valentino, which (minus the lovely sculpted bow at the back) reminded us of Deepika’s Vercase litmus-paper-blue number from the IIFA green carpet.

Deepika Padukone at the IIFA green carpet

Absolutely love how these two ladies wore their respective dresses, but most of all, we adore both the colors!

Source, Source

Alessandra Facchinetti

Facchinetti’s phone calls were reportedly tapped as part of a wide-reaching scam which targeted politicians, bankers, entrepreneurs, journalists and celebrities; after years of investigation, more than 5,000 names are now involved.

The practice was uncovered in 2006 but is believed to have been instigated by Giuliano Tavaroli, former chief of security at Italian Telecom, and Marco Mancini, the former number two at the country’s SISMI military intelligence agency, as early as 1996.

It is unclear why Facchinetti was targeted and she has not commented publicly on the investigation. According to WWD, Italian daily La Repubblica speculated that the designer’s phone was tapped just as she was negotiating her way out of her Miu Miu contract to leave early for Gucci – although there is no indication parent brand Prada, or its ceo Patrizio Bertelli, had any knowledge of the wiretapping.