© Carlos Souza

Valentino might be retired, but he’s more popular than ever. The legendary designer arrived tanned (what’s new?) from a cruise through Greece and Croatia with a few friends aboard his private yacht, the TMBlue One. He’s headed to Venice, where the big premiere of Matt Tyrnauer’s documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor will rock the Film Festival tomorrow night at the Teatro La Fenice. Special guests, Hollywood starlets and VIPs will be on board for the requisite bash, which will be co-hosted by Vogue Italia and Vanity Fair at the Peggy Guggenheim Gardens. Meanwhile, Valentino has been busy enjoying the sights and attracting attention at Harry’s Bar and Cipriani.

© Patrick McMullan

Charlotte Ronson’s all about sibling equality. Mark Ronson took his turn back for the Fall/Winter ‘06 presentation, but Samantha’s been spinning for the shows since then. This year, along with Charlotte’s move to the Tents, Mark is coming back for a turn at the tables.

Where does one go after Valentino? Home, of course. But Carlos Souza is not your typical Brazilian citizen. He’s been busy at work on Rio Summer 2008 festival, which promises to be his starriest affair yet. “This is an event that the Brazilian government contacted me to work for and I am happy with the response so far,” Souza told Chic Report. “Designers, actresses, top models and VIPs from both side of the pond are already booked to come down to party in November.” The save-the-date might have helped, as it wasn’t designed by just anyone. Michael Roberts conceived the design (above). He was recently spotted on the beautiful beaches of Ipanema with country’s top models like Andre Ziehe and Isabeli Fontana photographing them for the event’s booklet.

Heard enough of the word “transitional” yet? Fall product is just hitting stores, Fashion Week (for Spring 2009) is about to start, and it’s still…summer. These suede and patent (all faux, of course!) Stella McCartney platforms will cover all your bases: wear now with bare legs or later with textured tights. They’ll be perfect for tottering up and down the steps of Bryant Park come September 5. Problème solved…

Daria Werbowy won’t be close to Gotham during the first weekend of Fashion Week–but she has a good excuse. The Mississauga, Ontario native is one of the eight inductees to Canada’s Walk of Fame in a ceremony that will take place September 6 at Toronto’s Four Seasons Center for the Performing Arts. She’s by far the youngest member of the accomplished group this year that includes Oscar winner James Cameron, NBA star Steve Nash, TV icon Michael J. Fox and k.d. lang.

© Patrick McMullan

Stateside, we’re scrambling–New York’s Fashion Week is barely two weeks away. Maybe the Japanese are on to something: Japan’s Fashion Week starts Monday, September 1, and it was celebrated (celebrated!) last night at Hudson Square’s trendy boutique Aloha Rag. Live models stood side by side with mannequins, showing off avant-garde ensembles by Japanese designers like Ato, Mikio Sakabe, and G.V.G.V. Hanging on racks around the store were pieces by Merci Beaucoup and Kitsune, which throngs of hipster partygoers perused while sipping Svedka vodka tonics. A model in Somarta stole the show: in a creation of layered white laces and crocets with dangling crystals, she perfectly complemented the modern white space of the store, chosen as the location for the party because of its penchant for stocking Japanese designs. Japan’s first Fashion Week was in the fall of 2005; September’s shows will mark its seventh season.

In defense of the huge bag: Sometimes you absolutely need your phone, wallet, two pairs of sunglasses, planner, iPod, checkbook, array of lipsticks, camera, several pens, and the latest nearly-800-page issue of Vogue with you toujours. But sometimes, our poor backs need a break. Enter this adorable Miu Miu bag. The navy patent leather is perfect, and it’s just the right size for the essentials (we mean the actual essentials). Your shoulder will thank you.

All of us at Chic Report were hyper-triste to discover that Jane Mayle, daughter of author Peter, designer of the beloved Mayle collection, is quitting the business. The holiday/resort collection, shipping this November, will be her last, and Mayle’s Elizabeth Street shop will shutter in February. We must buy while we still can. Admire the delightful hue and charming details of this dress, available at shopjumelle.com.

For those of you not dedicated enough to brave the first day of the Barneys warehouse sale (yeah, no thanks), fear not: you can still shop online from the safety of chez vous. We’re eyeing these stunning gold-heeled Proenza Schouler peep-toe pumps, on sale at over $400 off the original price. There are only a few sizes left, so act fast–no pushing, shoving, or underwear-baring necessary.

Jay-Z is giving his Rocawear brand a makeover and taking things into his own hands. In the new Evolution-themed ads that debut in a 23-page spread in the 15th anniversary issue of Vibe, the mogul and entertainer is shot reportage-style by frequent collaborator and friend Mark Seliger. When you’re Jay-Z, those “mundane” things include relaxing with champagne on ice and choosing a suitable diamond showstopper to wear to Madison Square Garden.

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