VALENTINO IS A BILLION-DOLLAR BRAND NOW

Valentino spring 2016 haute couture show. Photo: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

As first reported by WWD, Valentino has reached its goal of bringing in annual sales of $1 billion, a milestone that the brand and its owner, the Qatar-based Mayhoola for Investments SPC, aimed to cross by the end of 2017. In 2015, the Italian fashion house hit €987 million (about $1.09 billion) in revenue, a 48 percent jump from the year prior. 

We've reached out to Valentino and Mayhoola and are waiting to hear back with comment. Valentino CEO Stefano Sassi told WWD that the brand's steady success owes to the work of creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, as well as customers' interest in its accessories and menswear. "The one-billion figure is symbolic," he said in an interview. "We have arrived at a dimension and critical mass that the brand did not have, with significant cash and profitability." And despite its recent missteps when it comes to cultural sensitivity, Valentino continues to occupy a warm place in the mainstream psyche, thanks to its consistent red carpet appearances and its surprising involvement with a certain public stunt in Zoolander 2's marketing attack.

Sassi also shut down rumors of Valentino nearing an IPO — at least before 2017 — because "market conditions are unfavorable." Instead, the brand will focus on its expansion for 2016, including adding 20 to 30 store locations and relocations in London, Miami, Honolulu, as well as Germany, Japan, Korea and the Middle East. Valentino again expects double-digit growth in 2016, and from the looks of it, we'd guess the fashion house will meet that goal, too.

BALMAIN'S OLIVIER ROUSTEING PLAYS WITH PASTEL SUEDE AND SATIN FOR FALL

Binx Walton in the fall 2016 Balmain runway show. Photo: Imaxtree

It feels like only yesterday that Kim Kardashian showed up at the fall 2015Balmain runway presentation with platinum blonde hair, effectively stealing the show. Flash forward to Thursday in Paris, when her powerful family was represented in the front row of the French house's latest paparazzi-targeted event by Kris Jenner and Kanye West. They left the spotlight-hogging to Kendall Jenner: The buzzy brunette model opened the show in a blond wig, followed by Californian blonde Gigi Hadid in a dark brown one, a switch-up repeated by a host of other top models. Two things to note: clearly Jenner has the most cache in the #BalmainArmy (she also closed the show), and there's a certain irony in trying to disguise the identities of models whose name recognition is the main reason they are hired. That's so meta. 

In terms of the clothes, designer Olivier Rousteing went deep on skintight suede in soft pastel blue, pink and camel, taking the form of thigh-high boots, waist-cinching minidresses and tight trousers. Those core Balmain pieces also came in stretchy satin in a metallic paisley and a vertically striped pink and blue pattern, sometimes accentuated by flowers. It reminded me of 18th-Century French wallpaper. The head-to-toe pastel striped looks also slightly recalled pajamas, albeit not very comfortable ones. And sheer lace pants and tops trimmed with ruffles along the arms and legs were a statement-making take on lingerie. 

Of course, it wouldn't be Balmain without thick, intricate beading and fringe, fur and cross-stitching accents that scream luxury. A black and pastel blue fringe skirt — Gigi's second look — was particularly impressive in motion. It kicked off the second half of the show's more evening-appropriate looks, featuring a darker color palette (with some flashes of kelly green) and a standout black and gold gown modeled by Binx Walton that probably deserved to close the show. It was gilded and glamorous and revealing in a way that felt newer than the rest. Oh, and obviously, it was perfectly designed for any number of the Kardashian/Jenner/Wests.

SHOWGOERS PILED ON THE DENIM ON DAY 3 OF PARIS FASHION WEEK

On the street at Paris Fashion Week. Photos from left to right: Imaxtree (2), Emily Malan/Fashionista

With nearly a third of Paris Fashion Week complete, showgoers are starting to get a little comfier with their day-to-day looks. Perhaps it was yesterday's streetwear-leaning runway show by Vetements — already a favorite among the street style set — that inspired the casual ensembles. But it wasn't just hoodies and sneakers that were spotted throughout the city: trusty blue denim was layered, doubled and piled on as a way chicer version of the Canadian tuxedo. 

Margaret Zhang draped an oversized jean trench coat over cuffed boyfriend jeans, and juxtaposed the slouchy silhouette with more feminine pieces like a black neck scarf and pointed pumps. Other examples include a military-inspired jacket over everyone's favorite high-waisted, patchwork-butt jeans by — you guessed it — Vetements, as well as a distressed moto-style jacket paired with kick-flare jeans. 

Of course, there were a few street style stars on the opposite end of the casual spectrum. Yasmin Sewell walked out in head-to-toe Gucci, while Anna Dello Russo switched from a patterned full-length cape to a, well, patterned full-length fur coat as the day progressed. (Both outerwear options perfectly matched her pink streaked hair, naturally.)

See our favorite street style from the third day of Paris Fashion Week in the gallery below, and stay tuned for our daily roundups as the shows go on. 

Jacket Over The Shoulder Fashion Trend 2016

Wearing a structured jacket or blazer over one’s shoulders on a sunny day is currently the epitome of carefree style. This laid-back look is so easy to emulate and is making a comeback from old Hollywood movies and your stereotypical varsity college with the best-dressed girls and guys giving it a go. Shoulder pads and tailored structure is integral to this trend, allowing for the lovely draping of the fabric around the wearer. A jacket over the shoulders goes so sweetly with a short, a-line dress on a mild day and can be worn with almost any smart-casual outfit. Whether for work or play, a jacket over the shoulders is chic for any occasion and is one of the more cost effective and effortless trends of the season.

Fur Pom Poms

There’s nothing like a puff of fur to add texture, detail and a healthy dose of fun to your handbag. This season cheerleaders aren’t the only people carrying pom poms, everyone is! Of course the fashion variety is smaller, made of fur, and hanging off your bag. These quirky attachments were seen dangling their way through the streets of Paris this year and are perfect for transeasonal dressing. Useful for turning a classic bag in to a statement piece, fur pom poms are great in any colour. They can even be paired with a mini bag or multiplied for greater effect.

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Fringed Bags

Continuing on with this year’s 70’s trend, fringed bags made a large appearance at Paris Fashiaon Week Spring 2016. Whether it was covering the front of the bag or in an oversized tassel, fringingwas kept modern through innovative applications. Mostly appearing in sleek leather and matching the colour of the bag, fringing was spotted on all bag styles from clutches to cross-body bags.

Top 10 Men’s Fashion Trends to Try in 2015

Street style trends are not only inspirational, they resemble the creative, innovative and personal expressions of style. The latest in men’s street style has hallmarked a return to traditionalism, but with a twist. From the school uniform tartans and bold nautical stripes to the revamped double-breasted blazers and reconstructed denims, the top men’s street style trends are an amalgam of conventional meets contemporary.

Here’s our ultimate guide to incorporating the top 10 street style trends for the upcoming spring and summer months.

1. Nautical Stripes

The recent street style trend of stripes alludes to a nautical edge, with recurring colours like bold reds, deep navies and crisp whites. Keep looks casual with thinner pin stripes or go bold with thick statement stripes on t-shirt or jackets. Do not fear an unexpected use of stripes on the cardigan or a sweater and team them with darker sunglasses for a sleek finish to your striped looks.

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2. Brown Suede Shoes

Elvis had it wrong; brown suede shoes are more worthy to be sung about. With clean simple lines, a brown suede loafer, boot or slipper can transition seamlessly with the neutrals and powder hues typically featured in spring and summer clothing palettes. Keep things versatile with deep, dusty browns for a classic annotation to existing staple pieces and team with clothing in varying shades of blue for a conventional yet cool interpretation of the trend. Avoid complicated styles and choose round toe shoes that will lend timelessness to looks.

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3. Beige Blazers

The relaxed simplicity of neutral suits is undoubtedly on trend, so it is no surprise that the beige blazer appears to be one of the 2016’s quintessential spring/summer staples, featuring profoundly in Milan and London street style looks. Tailor neutral blazers to suit a modern silhouette and style with complementary pastel colours, keeping things simple. Subtle dashes of colour can be introduced to beige blazers with pocket squares and slim crocheted ties.

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4. Sun Hats

As practical as they are stylish, sun hats have proven to be a strong influence in contemporary street style. Despite the wide range of colours available, reference older decades with classical versions of this trend for maximum versatility. Beiges always work well with spring and summer staples, or goes for a rusty green or dusky navy to complement darker colours.

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5. Ginghams

With its humble country influences, the basic traditional gingham motif is the ultimate in classic prints. Interpret this trend with more fitted silhouettes for a modernised take on an old favorite. Conventional colours should be considered when trying out gingham, keep things timeless with powder blue, diluted navy and bold red versions of the print. For a more subtle interpretation of the trend go for gingham belts, ties and pocket squares.

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PHILLIP LIM DELIVERS AN ARMY OF STRONG WOMEN IN SERENE SILHOUETTES

A look from the 3.1 Phillip Lim fall 2016 collection. Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images

The 3.1 Phillip Lim fall show began with thunder. A rail of lights above the runway flickered in time to a soundtrack of roaring and crashing bass, which continued at a steady pace as the models flew past unencumbered by the hair hanging in their faces. 

With 10 years under his belt, Lim has become known for pushing his vision forward while staying in his zone — luxurious, contemporary clothing for the busy, modern working woman. And while this newest collection was feminine and sophisticated, even with its many masculine silhouettes, a toughness permeated in details like a row of wide metallic staples joining seams, dangling straps off kimono-style jackets and coats, animal skin fanny packs, densely pleated metallic skirts and tops, and boots that look like velvet socks worn with matte leather mules. Even thick beaded socks worn with sandals felt assertive. 

A look from the 3.1 Phillip Lim fall 2016 collection. Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images

Lim presented several strong suiting options in pinstripes, mismatched tweed, burned out jacquard and rich orange velvet. The pant legs were wide and the overall look was boxy, but not too much as to override a general sleekness. But the real standout might be an asymmetrical belted tunic that popped up in several different forms — a dress with a higher neck, another combining a palm pattern and velvet, a mixed print shirt — that looked even better from the back. It was loose but accentuated the hips, modest yet revealing (thanks to a sheer panel at the neckline) and versatile yet distinctive. 

The piece was a prime example of the "dose of youth and glamour" mentioned in the show notes, which said the collection was inspired by the mindset "life as your stage." But as the thunder served to indicate, Lim's stage isn't a fairy tale — it's an industrial runway for an industrious woman.  

See the 3.1 Phillip Lim fall 2016 collection below.

MUST READ: KYLIE JENNER COVERS 'WONDERLAND,' AMAZON POSTS FASHION JOB LISTINGS

These are the stories making headlines in fashion this Tuesday.

Kylie Jenner fronts the "Spring Fashion Fame Issue" ofWonderland
Professional famous person Kylie Jenner has racked up yet another magazine cover, this time for Wonderland's "Spring Fashion Fame Issue." For the occasion, the 18-year-old beauty magnate leans up against a bathroom counter in nothing but a Gucci blouse and bright white undies — and what appears to be a light slick of her Lip Kit, of course. (Posie K, is it?) {Wonderland}

Amazon might have plans for a private fashion label
Back in October at the WWD CEO Summit, Amazon's Jeff Yurcisin said customers love brands, and they expect similar products when a brand decides not to sell on their website — and just recently, Amazon put up job listings for fashion industry professionals. One listing stated that the e-commerce giant is looking for a senior sourcing manager "to launch new high-quality products for our global customers." Could a private fashion label be in the works? {WWD}

Stephen Colbert learns how to pose sexy with Sports Illustrated's Ashley Graham and Hailey Clauson
On Monday night, Sports Illustrated cover stars Ashley Graham and Hailey Clauson taught "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert how to pose sexy in any and every situation, including, uh, hell. To watch the full clip, head here. {YouTube}

Tiffany Trump makes her NYFW debut
On Sunday, 22-year-old Tiffany Trump made her NYFW runway debut at"Rich Kids of Instagram" target Andrew Warren's fashion show. When asked whether she had plans to pursue modeling, Trump responded that she'll be taking the LSAT and applying to law school. So, no. {Page Six}

Barneys New York returns to downtown Manhattan
Barneys New York has completed its new downtown flagship, located in the same block where the company was founded back in 1923. The 55,000-square-foot flagship spans five floors, and will include a Blind Barber barbershop and Freds restaurant, in addition to clothing, accessories and cosmetics. {Fashionista inbox}

MSGM bans social media at fashion show
For his upcoming fall/winter 2017 show, MSGM's Massimo Giorgetti is asking press and buyers to put down their phones and not post any pictures on social media. His reasoning? Social media causes people to lose interest, and he'd like viewers to watch the clothes with their eyes. Now, that's reasonable, right? {WWD}

Stella McCartney might do menswear
While a spokesperson for the brand wouldn't comment, it's "understood" that Stella McCartney is preparing for her first menswear collection for spring 2017. {WWD}

Bag Snob's bag was stolen
During Diane von Furstenberg's supermodel-filled fête, Bag Snob (aka Tina Craig)'s bag was stolen.Her message to the thief: "... to the asshole who stole my bag — We have VIDEO! Grand theft larceny — off to prison you go when they catch you!" {Instagram}

Gigi Hadid displays her rock-hard abs on the cover of Vogue China
Want yet another excuse to check out Gigi Hadid's marble-cut body? Look no further than the latest cover of Vogue China. Her blue sweater and scalloped shorts? From Dior's romantic spring 2016 collection. {Fashion Copious}

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CHARLES & KEITH: FOR FRINGE FANS ONLY

I’ve always been a fan of fringe! This time I want you to have a look at this awesome collection of fringed accessories made by Charles & Keith. I am excited to share this take on this cold season’s favorite trim! You are about to see functional bucket bags complimented with fringes, stunning Chelsea ankle-boots and heeled pointed-toe booties.

Take a close-up look at these two models who appear in relaxed fit separates completed with fringed ankle-boots.

The fringe is no longer just for festivals. This addition is in full swing this Winter. You can wear it as a bold embellishment on dresses or accessories for an added element of surprise, as well as drama.

Black colored leather bucket bag embellished with fringes looks functional and versatile, as you can wear it with casual basics, as well as with dressy outfits.

Heeled pointed-toe ankle-boot can be worn with all your favorite dresses and pants.