Valentino: The last Fashion Emperor
Everyone knows Valentino, his name and his brand are famous all over the world.
But what do you know about his personal life? His complete name is Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani, and he is known for dressing women. He is famous for his gorgeous gowns lit up the red carpet; the Italian designer understands the female form and what women want. This is probably the secret behind Valentino success. His contribution to fashion is made by his beautiful creations highlighting sweeping lines and finished off with an elegant silhouette. His preferred colours were black, white and a specific crimson shade was known as “Valentino Red”.
Studying his biography since childhood, he has been interested in fashion and art. His parents decided to support his passion and sent him to study fashion design at the Santa Maria Institute in Milan. Then, at the age of 17, he moved to Paris to attend the École des Beaux-Arts. She also studies fashion at a school run by the Chambre Syndicale, the governing body of French style. He opened his first shop on the glamorous Via Condotti in 1960. He later made his international debut in Florence in 1962, with help from his lifelong business partner and friend, Giancarlo Giammetti.
Therefore, the Italian brand got its start in 1960 under its eponymous founder Valentino Garavani. It’s easy to be the most famous brand in the world to have such a moniker. With its otherworldly couture, a lengthy roster of celebrity fans, and stable of coveted accessories, a similarly-named company beat it to the market. When Garavani first opened up shop, an unrelated Mario Valentino was already in business in Italy, offering up footwear and, after that, leather goods, operating since 1952 under the Mario Valentino name.
It wasn’t long before women were clamouring to be dressed by him. Among his list of clients were those belonging to the upper echelons of society. Jacqueline Onassis famously wore a Valentino for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis, just as Anne Hathaway wore a custom dress. Julia Roberts wore an elegant black and white dress when she accepted her Oscar for Best Actress in 2001. Although he is retired, his legacy lives on.
Why was he so unique as a person and fashion designer? Because as a symbol of timeless elegance, it has enchanted the jet-set and Hollywood. Her couture dresses worn by the most celebrities, from Sofia Loren to Gwyneth Paltrow, from Anne Hathaway to Madonna, have made millions of women dream. Throughout his career, he has received prestigious awards and recognitions.
The most important is the nomination for “Cavaliere di Gran Croce”, which means Knight of the Grand Cross in Italy, the medal of “Commandeur de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres”, one of the highest French honours. And the appointment to Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur in France. Known simply by his name, he is one of the world’s greatest exponents of Italian fashion.
Article edit by Giuliano Benedetto ( Tv Fashion Style Dubai )
