Mr. Mickey Takes on Paris Fashion Week: Karl Lagerfeld & Valentino

Two legends of fashion kicked things off Wednesday, and what a study in contrasts they were! Karl Lagerfeld, the most creamy, white-powdered-hair-sporting Teuton on the rue Cambon and Valentino, the tannest Italiano on the Spanish Steps.

Lagerfeld's show (under his Karl Lagerfeld label) was fashion with a capital F: lavish rainbow set, all the top models, no expense spared. The collection was a lot about sheerness, with organza pants giving an interesting, almost hosiery effect (see above left). The shapes we're young and fun and there was even a bit of sparkle!

Valentino showed his final collection (ex-Gucci designer Alessandra Fachinetti takes over next season) and hordes of fashion fans of all stripes descended on the Carrousel du Louvre to see the King of Italian Fashion. The show was true theater with groups of models strutting together down the catwalk and working it. The clothes were classic Valentino and made us wish we were a gorgeous jet set princess with lots of chic social engagements. The shapes were sophisticated but the short lengths and the decollete kept things feeling young and fresh. The first group of pink and purple pieces (see top right) was a very confident statement. A group of white and a black and white polka dotted pieces were also bold. A recurring theme was circular cutouts that resembled fold-out party globes that gave fun bits of drama and movement to dresses and gowns. People who were expecting an all red show of Val's greatest hits were surprised to see that although he might be well past legal retirement age, the old gal still has some tricks up his sleeve. Thanks for the highest of high fashion memories!

Photos at top from Style.com; Valentino group model shot by Mickey Boardman