Paris Fashion Week: Valentino puts on opulent study in black, as McGirr unveils McQueen debut

By THOMAS ADAMSON
AP Fashion Writer

PARIS (AP) — The gilded salons of an 18th-century Parisian townhouse were the venue for Valentino’s latest fashion display on Sunday – an ode to black. This monochromatic collection gleamed and glistened under crystal chandeliers amid myriad textures and materials, inspired by great artists such as French master of black, Pierre Soulages. Meanwhile, in an industrial warehouse bathed in the chill of anticipation, Sean McGirr debuted as McQueen’s creative director, stepping into the long shadow left by his predecessor, Sarah Burton. Despite occasionally veering towards the heavy-handed with Renaissance sleeves and bulky knits, McGirr’s debut largely played it safe, with moments of audacity peeking through the somber overtone.