Italy's Valentino to rely on own team for menswear

MILAN (Reuters) - Italy's Valentino SpA fashion company will rely on its internal team to design its next menswear collection after the retirement of founding designer Valentino Garavani, the chairman said on Tuesday.

Valentino's successor in menswear is still unknown, while former Gucci designer Alessandra Facchinetti will head womenswear.

Valentino, known worldwide as a creator of dresses for Hollywood stars and European royalty, will retire in January.

"We are working with our internal team as regards menswear. And for now we are thinking of approaching the next season in this way," Valentino SpA's chairman, Matteo Marzotto, told reporters on the margins of a jewelry conference.

"I'd say for now we are happy with our internal team," he said when asked if a new menswear designer would be named to prepare the show for February.

Marzotto said the fashion group would keep Paris as a stage for its women shows and Milan for menswear collections.

Private equity group Permira this year built a 97.12 percent stake in Valentino Fashion Group, which includes Valentino SpA and Hugo Boss. Permira has said it would delist the company from Milan's stock exchange.

Marzotto said his company was considering teaming up with a high-end jewelry maker, following the footsteps of many fashion groups in brand extension.

Marzotto said it was too early to say what kind of jewelry alliance Valentino could forge.

(Reporting by Svetlana Kovalyova; Editing by Greg Mahlich)