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Valentino: Valentino's Playboys
By: J.J. Martin
Photos by Gruber-FWD
Milan, Jun 24, 2002/FWD/ --- Jet-setting was the name of the game for Valentino's
Spring/Summer 2003 men's collection.
With a slew of location-specific looks - everything from tropical beach loungewear to
sophisticated, velvet rope attire - it's clear that Valentino's man has the taste and
the bankroll for the high life.
For the secluded beachfront bungalow in Bali, there were Asian-inspired wrap pants, low
at the crotch and rolled casually at the waist.
The pants were shown in light satins and soft opaque fabrics, and occasionally depicted
a recurring dragon print motif.
Paired with elegant silk or cotton shirts worn open in the front, the look was tropical
island perfection - the only things missing were the sand and the sounds of the surf.
Valentino ordered up sleek and chic ensembles for cocktails aboard a St. Tropez yacht.
When they weren't bare-chested, the men wore shimmering silk or viscose sweaters and satin
jackets with pleated taffeta shirts, paired with suede or leather pants.
All were done in a summer palette of gold and platinum with hints of aubergine.
And for those rare and inconvenient occasions when the Valentino man finds himself
landlocked there were the designer's signature high-powered suits.
Spring/Summer 2003 offered versions in white and black brocades and sateens - all expertly
cut - paired with, among other things, flaming red silk shirts and mirrored-lens sunglasses.
It was a highly sophisticated look with a dash of danger -- perfect for quick getaways in
heavy-on-the-chrome cars.
The look, regardless of locale, was further emphasized with slicked back "just out from my
afternoon swim" hair and some serious swagger on the part of the models.
The men oozed machismo as they strutted their stuff, and gave new meaning to the phrase
"arm candy."
And what might Valentino's world travelling Lotharios wear when they're not being fabulous?
Who knows.
But frankly, who cares?
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