Au Revoir, Vava?

(PARIS) Could Valentino be adding the word "retirement" to his 45th anniversary celebration extravaganza, planned for this summer in Europe? The buzz at his stunning, boudoir-like couture show Monday evening was that the designer is expected to announce his retirement from fashion this July, and will subsequently be the subject of a large scale retrospective tribute at the Fashion Rocks benefit for The Prince's Trust at the Royal Albert Hall on October 18, hosted by Big Time Productions. Production has already begun on this year's philanthropic gala, which is expected to be attended by a who's who of the music and fashion elite, no doubt aided by Elizabeth Saltzman and Charlotte Stockdale, the event's chairwoman and fashion director, respectively. A Valentino spokesperson was unavailable for comment.

In related news, former Tod's worldwide communications chief Noona Smith-Petersen has been brought on board to consult on various Valentino projects in preparation for his 45th anniversary. Petersen, who's also helping to increase exposure for Elie Tahari in Milan and working on the fall launch of Vogue India, will be opening an office in the same building in which she currently resides. Talk about a one-stop commute.