Pink Rock Candy – Top fashion trends, news and shopping of 2010

There have been whispers for a while that Valentino would be stepping down, especially after celebrating 45 years in the biz during a giant 3-day fête in July. It seems the whispers were true because yesterday afternoon Valentino announced his retirement. His last ready-to-wear show will be at the upcoming Paris fashion week, and his final couture show will be in January.

From what I’ve heard (or read), they have already picked a successor, but that won’t be shared until later this week. Vogue.uk says they think the top contenders are former Gucci designer Alessandra Facchinetti, Giambattistta Valli, Stefano Pilati, and Proenza Schouler duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, but I couldn’t even begin to fathom who should replace Valentino. All I know is whoever his successor is has some very large shoes to fill.

We Wanna Know: Who do you think should be Valentino’s successor?

UPDATE!!! Alessandra Facchinetti was oficially named Valentino’s successor today. Congrats to her!