It is tragically poetic that Valentino died right as Paris Fashion Week kicks off. Watching these new 'hypebeast' designers send hoodies down the runway while we mourn the man who invented the red carpet gown is jarring. Valentino stood for craftsmanship and 1,300-hour dresses. Modern fashion stands for logos and TikTok moments. His death marks the official end of 'Luxury' and the beginning of 'Merch.' He got out before the industry completely lost its soul.