Valentino gives couture world tour for next summer

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2005

PARIS (AFP) — Italian designer Valentino highlighted the global reach of the fashion industry with his haute couture collection for spring-summer 2005, a tribute to the world's greatest cities.

Acknowledging that his clients come from "every corner of the globe", Valentino conjured up 37 gowns, dresses and suits named after the "most beautiful places in the world" from Seville to Shanghai.

The couturier mounted giant projection screens on the walls of the ornate Fine Arts School on the French capital's Left Bank, so that he could match each outfit with images of the corresponding city or country and accompanying music.

Stately supermodel Erin O'Connor opened the show in a slim black taffeta skirt suit with beige embroidery that recalled a matador's costume,...