Despite its less than stellar performance since Valentino’s exit, the industry’s VIPs continue to flock to Valentino.

Today’s show played host to a stellar trifecta: Linda Fargo, Michael Roberts, and Anna Dello Russo sat front row for Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli’s second effort.

Their collection was pretty - very, very pretty.

The clothes weren’t overly complicated, nor dramatic or groundbreaking, but their sense of lightness looked comfortable and desirable. If they were going for dreamlike, they succeeded with a palette of dusky nudes and lilacs. Sparks of Valentino’s signature heavy handiwork appeared on mini-dresses and a gown or two, and of course, there were bows.

As for the showmanship of the show itself, no expense was spared. Black and white images of mutating orchids and flames were projected onto the walls of the tent and the tones of grey translated to the seats, which, by the way, were the most plush seats I’ve ever seen at a fashion show - soft banquettes, only three rows deep, perfect for resting my Fashion Week ridden body.

Of course the lingering question is, and will be for some time, what did Mr. Valentino think?

—REBECCA SUHRAWARDI AUSTIN

Designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli took some serious hits from critics after their first couture showing in January.

But the press seems to have warmed a bit to the collection they presented yesterday in Paris.

There is definitely a new vibe at the house. While an occasional bow did make an appearance, the looks were dark, almost entirely black. And for the most part very short and sexy. There were no splashes of color and definitely no Valentino red to be found.

I will admit to not being the biggest Valentino (the clothes, not the man) fan in town, though I’ve always had a great appreciation for many things about the line. But this collection actually speaks much more to my personal taste. I think it looks young and hot and current.

Carlos Souza is going to be able to take this collection and run with it…all the way to Hollywood.

What say you about Valentino’s new direction?

“When Valentino Garavani released a statement categorically denying that he had anything to do with the design of his former accessory designers’ first collection for the label, perhaps it was because he knew what was going to come down the runway today.” - Fashionologie, on Chiuri and Piccioli’s first couture try at Valentino.

This just in from WWD:

Alessandra Facchinetti has been confirmed as officially out at Valentino, pending a vote by the company’s board.

But her successor, after just two seasons with the house, won’t be Giambattista Valli, as some were hoping.

The new targets designers?

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, longtime accessories designers for Valentino.

No word on yet on where Alessandra’s heading, or whether today’s collection ever had a prayer of saving her..