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.

Top 5 Menswear Spring/Summer 2016 Trends To Try Now

Spring 2016 collections brought back traditional colours, modern shapes and a range of unexpected accessories for the hotter months. From 50’s inspired shirts to overalls, this guide will help with navigating the latest menswear trends for your new Spring/Summer 2016 wardrobe.

1. Bomber Jackets

Use the 50s bomber jackets from the menswear Spring/Summer 2016 collections as a style reference and try them in dark hues.  Bomber jackets are versatile for casual days and keep looks cool and comfortable. Channel this trend with the variety of new colours and materials available to keep things more contemporary.

Alexander Wang, Simon Miller, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Louis Vuitton

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2. Overalls

The recent menswear Spring/Summer 2016 collections referenced a nod to mechanic-like overalls, showcasing them in dark blacks, cool toned denims and dusky greens. Keep denim overalls low key with a white tee and a simple trainer or maximise the overall aesthetic of a black pair by keeping all other clothing darker, a la Alexander Wang.

Alexander Wang, Greg Lauren, Givenchy, A.P.C

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3. Fifties Shirts

Keep things relaxed with oversized polos and textured fifties shirts exemplified by the runway collections of Raf Simons and Louis Vuitton. Balance out this trend with a tailored pant andaccessorise with darker wayfarers for a true fifties vibe. This silhouette works perfectly in darker tones as well as powder hues, but contrast is key when combining colours, to sustain a more polished look.

Louis Vuitton, Raf Simons, Canali, Lanvin, Umit Benan

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4. Shorter Shorts

Design houses like Prada and Gucci brought back short shorts in a range of colours and prints. Particularly great for spring/summer weather, keep short shorts bright with colours like blue, green and yellow for beach days or interpret this trend with more tailored styles in an array of subtle, darker colours for versatility with simple button down shirts.

Top Shop Design, Prada, Gucci

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5. White Chinos & Trousers

Incredibly complementary with deep navies and pops of bright colours, the white denim and chinotrend is worn best with accessories like dusty brown boots and belts. Style the white pants with traditional cable knits and patterned sweaters for preppy takes on vintage cricket attire or combine white denim with washed out chambray button down shirts for a classic weekend look.

Tommy Hilfiger, Dior Homme, Polo Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein Collection

Men’s Spring/Summer 2016 Accessory Trends

Spring 2016 collections saw a return to boyish accessories, annotated with novel baseball caps and boy-scout neckerchiefs perfect for casual looks. Interpretation of these trends for spring and summer days should be seamless, given their alluring versatility and the wide range of styles available.

Here’s our rundown of 4 accessories you should be considering this spring.

1. Baseball Caps

Keep things cool and laidback with caps for casual spring and summer looks. Reference nineties street style with darker hues like Calvin Klein Collection and accompany white t-shirts with muted tan caps featured in Versace and Balmain. Switch things up with different shapes and tones. Tame your bed head with a washed out baseball cap to keep things casual and preppy or ground colourful looks with black and navy caps.

Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Balmain, Calvin Klein Collection, Polo Ralph Lauren

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2. Bandana Neckerchiefs

Bandana neckerchiefs were the accessory highlights in the Louis Vuitton, Margaret Howell and Hermes collections. Interpret this trend with a loose fitting bandana, maintaining versatility by making its incorporation in your outfits more youthful and palatable for casual looks. Ensure your bandanas are longer and able to produce scout worthy knots.

Margaret Howell, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Margaret Howell, Louis Vuitton

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3. Slip On Shoes

Maintain casual, yet put together looks with the humble slipper. In a range of materials for spring and summer, the options are endless with the latest styles and shapes which provide easy and polished finish. Keep things classic by pairing slippers with traditionalist trenches reminiscent of Burberry Prorsum or incorporate a slipper with more colourful, casual looks a la Moschino. Keep trousers well tailored when trying out the slipper trend, maintaining the outfit balance.

Burberry Prorsum, Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino, Haider Ackermann, Moschino

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4. Long Scarves

Wear the long scarf trend in versatile colours and thinner fabrics. Adapt long scarves for casual days or wear them with the more corporate looks. This accessory is a great accompaniment with trenches or light spring jackets. Keep colours rich like the dim oxbloods used in Burberry Prorsum for more of a statement or go for washed out patterned scarves like Missoni for laid-back spring day looks.

Andrea Pompilio, Missoni, Burberry Prorsum, Saint Laurent, Missoni

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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