DALLAS, May 4, 2007/ FW/ --- Perhaps it is prescience on Valentino’s part. Maybe, it is just a coincidence. When the Italian couturier unveiled his Fall 2007 collection in Paris last February, no one had an inkling that he legendary film star Lauren Bacall would launch her own fine jewelry signature line.

Chances are, Valentino did not even realize that 1980 was a milestone for Ms. Bacall because that was the year that she received the National Book Award for her autobiography, ‘By Myself.’

Hence, it is hard not to mention that Valentino actually mixed the elegance of the 1940s and the energy of the 1980s for his Fall 2007 collection; the models all sporting long blonde hair parted on the side, with their smoky eyes and red lipstick, the look so reminiscent of Lauren Bacall when she began her film career in 1944.

So, when Lauren Bacall enters the national consciousness once again as her fine jewelry line hits select retailers this fall, Valentino’s pencil skirts paired with A-line cut suit jackets with fur collar and pleated skirts with snug fitting short cropped suit jacket that slightly curves the torso will be worn by elegant women all over the world.

It is a fortuitous collaboration of two legends, one from the silver screen, the other one from fashion. Both are brilliant in their chosen fields. Call it serendipity, call it chance, even an accident of fate.

But, Valentino’s vision of Lauren Bacall is impeccable as seen in the leopard print fur coats, the strapless gowns in black, and in the spaghetti strap frock that reaches mid calf and the tiny waist emphasized with a belt sash held by a buckle.

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino