Valli with Doutzen Kroes at the Met. Photo: Getty Images

Giambattista Valli‘s been elected a guest of the Chambre Syndicale, the French committee of couturiers. It’s a huge honor, especially for a relatively young designer who lacks the backing of a major house. Valli’s been whipping up gorgeous, sexy dresses fit for a princess since he launched his eponymous collection in 2005 so it’s not so shocking that those in charge of electing new members—houses like Armani, Valentino and Elie Saab—would handpick him for membership. The designer will present a collection in Paris at the couture shows in either July or January, and if he continues to be elected (at least five times) he’ll land a permanent spot. Iris Van Herpen, the 28-year-old Dutch designer who showed off-schedule in Paris last summer, was also added to the list of guest members.