CELEBRITY and fashion go together like jelly and ice-cream. One can elevate the other from the banal to the near beautiful.

Italian designer Valentino, whose signature flaming red couture gowns have graced royalty, Hollywood stars and the international jet set for 45 years, announced today he was stepping down as head designer of the Valentino fashion house.

THE fashion world was in mourning yesterday following the death of one of the industry’s great eccentrics.

Stars went strapless at the Oscars – except for Hilary Swank.