Valentino Garavani takes his final bow at Spring 2008 couture, image via style.com

A commemorative coffee table book, a documentary and Legion d’Honneur may not have been enough to keep master couturier and designer Valentino Garavani in retirement. In ways I suppose we all knew he would be bored (or unfulfilled) basking in the sun all day, working on his orange complexion.

I can imagine how difficult it would be to watch your “child”–in Valentino’s case, his clothing line–mature without the omnipotent guiding hand leading the way. And although Valentino hand-picked his successor, Gucci-alum Alessandra Fachinetti, management had other plans. Even now that his accessories directors have assumed the ready-to-wear design positions, critics are not agreeing with the new direction. Valentino was at every show, whether or not he was sitting front row, he was there, with a discerning eye. Word is that he lent a helping hand in the most recent collection.

It shouldn’t come as a shock if Valentino assumes his design role once again. For having been in the industry for as long as he has, it would probably be peculiar to stop being passionately involved in something you love doing so much.

A look from Fall 2009, by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, image via style.com