Paris, Jul 8, 2001/ FWD/ -- Forget the giddy media games of young designers. At the Valentino haute couture collection shown Sunday all you got was the great, glamorous clothes.

Valentino couture has always been about stylish dressing for the self-assured and well-heeled, but this season Sir Val excelled himself with his precise tailoring, opulent detailing and rich embellishment.

Let other designers go on a world tour of half a dozen cultures and as many art farms to get inspiration for their collections; Valentino concentrates on what he does best-classical clothes that sizzle.

From the opening outfits of a cashmere coat with sable trim and a red suit with fur piping - both in his signature red - the antennas on his front ladies were humming. His crisp suits, deep gorge frilly blouses and chiffon cocktail dresses were exactly what they come to Paris for - timeless chic. Tara Rockefeller, Cornelia Guest, Isabel Goldsmith and Nan Kempner all kept their eyes glued to the runway.

When a graceful brown chiffon column crossed with embroidered tulle came out on Carmen Kass, the ladies who lunch began scribbling furiously.

With Paris deluged by summer storms, Val's outstanding furs were especially timely and beautiful, especially a white velvet sable jacket closed on the side with mink lining.

"I'm not expert clearly. But I very much enjoyed it. The girls looked beautiful," Mikhail Baryshnikov told FWD backstage after the show.

Asked what label he was wearing, Baryshnikov replied. "Oh, what a surprise! It's Valentino. Because, you know the first thing my friend Valentino does when he sees me?" laughed the legendary dancer, imitating the couturier pulling open his jacket to check the label inside.

Valentino Haute Couture

Valentino Haute Couture

Valentino Haute Couture

Valentino Haute Couture

Valentino Haute Couture

Valentino Haute Couture

Valentino Haute Couture