Valentino still the toast of the town

He's one of the most familiar names in design and clearly one of the most popular ones too.

Leading lights from the world of fashion, including Joan Collins and Mick jagger, turned out to celebrate Valentino's 45th year at his haute couture show in Rome.

Claudia Schiffer confessed to being a big fan of the designer. She said: "He's very warm-hearted and generous, a very loyal friend. He's always had the same friends around for a long time, which speaks a lot for him, and I just love him, he's a very good friend."

Many thought this show would be the prelude to Valentino hanging up his scissors but he's repeatedly denied it - something model and pal Elizabeth Hurley confirmed.

She said: "He's definitely continuing, it's very exciting. It's very hard to imagine a season without seeing some beautiful Valentino dresses, so of course he'll continue."

The show drew on the joys of the Italian dolce vita - opera, glamorous gowns and gelato.

In the fittingly oppulent 12th century basilica near the Vatican, models wearing daywear skirt suits webbed with lacework gave way to floor-skimming evening gowns glittering with diamante in blacks, white, pastels and Valentino's signature red.

Although he was born in Italy, the designer began his career in Paris and had opened his first atelier by the early 60's.

Valentino went on to become the designer of choice for stars including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Liz Taylor and Farah Diba and remains a favourite for celebrities today.

Andre Leon Talley, US Vogue's editor-at-large and a front row regular for 25 years, agreed that the designer was still on top form.

He sadi: "It was one of the finest moments in the life of Valentino, in his career.

"It looked like the show of a great beginner with a great future.

"This is the future of Valentino, it's not the end of anything, it's only the beginning, it's another stage of great refinement."

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.