And the rumors were true. WWD just reported that Alessandra Facchinetti is finished at Valentino. Sources tell WWD that longtime Valentino accessories designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli will replace her as head of design. Her spring 2009 show for the house just walked in Paris, backstage at which Valentino CEO Stefano Sassi said, "We will make the situation clear very shortly."

Before Valentino, Facchinetti helmed design at Gucci, where she reportedly disagreed with management over aesthetics and production costs. Speculation about Facchinetti's successor has focused on Giambattista Valli, who presented a much-lauded collection yesterday. Was it all for naught? Valentino's new appointments are reportedly subject to board approval so stand by.

Facchinetti Exiting Valentino [WWD]
Earlier: Giambattista Valli Channels Valentino
Alessandra Facchinetti Almost Out at Valentino?