RUNWAY: Valentino FW18

Valentino's Pierpaolo Piccioli knows a cash cow when he sees one and so that's why Valentino's now-signature Rockstuds appear on stunningly tailored overcoats and camo makes a cameo in nearly every collection, irrespective of the season. This season, there's the collaborative collection of puffers with Moncler that's sure to drive foot traffic to try on these shiny puffers, especially the ones that are Valentino-red. Though commercial success is important for a maison's survival, so is relevance. There was nary a suit to be seen on the runway and that's purposeful since Piccioli knows that traditional tailored clothing is on the way out. His solution this season? Tailored sweats. Many, though not all, of the pants seen on the runway are oh-so-comfortable sweatpants that one can wear to work because they're neat and tailored but then to the gym or a night out. Lastly, it wouldn't be a fall/winter collection without talking about the coats, which were stunning and offered something for everyone from rockstars (those Rockstuds, natch) to businessmen (austere Chesterfields) to arty men with cash to spare, did you see the intricately embroidered coats, some in a tiger print or in floral? Piccioli has blossomed since taking over the creative position at Valentino as a one-man show.