MILAN, Jul 2, 2004/ FW/ --- Valentino’s man for summer 2005 has ‘Officer and a Gentleman’ like qualities, with his inexhaustible chic, endless manly charm and travel knowledge.

Using the thinnest and softest leathers and suedes he constructs flat fronted pants, trench coats to die for and bomber jackets for rich college boys who dream of becoming air force fighter pilots with elastic waistbands and button closures.

Reminiscent slightly of the 70’s when war hero’s wandered home to loved ones, geometric broaches are placed on chests and stars on ties. Jackets cum shirts are army green and ecru with upper as well as lower pockets, leaving shirts and ties to remain largely tone on tone.

Moving in affluent circles, the Service man ala Valentino goes boating in his spare time while the yacht club becomes home away from home as light K-Way’s have never been more fashionable.

On the move for both work and play, baroque almost batik style floral and ivy are the chosen print for both jackets and pants matched with silky shirts.

Cuts are square like those of the English explorers and conquerors of south east Asia, and where up until now the Military dress is still stuck in a part of history when they were bought and used years ago by Anglo Saxon monarchies.

Valentino has changed something of his usual style, and whatever the influence he should keep at it, making this collection modern and contemporary full of freshness and diversity that is bound to see him acquire a new set of exciting jet set generation X clientele.

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino