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.

More than 700 pieces of furniture, jewellery and bric-a-brac from the Kennedy family’s homes went on display at Sotheby’s in New York in preparation for the second sale of property from the estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Pierre Salinger, who served as President John F Kennedy’s press secretary and later had a long career with ABC News, has died at a hospital in southern France.

IT was exactly 12.30pm when the shots rang out and John F Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States of America, slumped forward in the open-top limousine carrying him through the streets of Dallas.

Hundreds of items owned by John F Kennedy and his wife, including a personal journal he kept during the 1960 presidential campaign, will be auctioned this month.