He was referred to as the last emperor of fashion. Italian fashion designer Valentino has left for eternity. He achieved what many could only dream of.
His legacy will remain deeply etched
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Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has left the world of fashion forever, who left for eternity at the age of 93. As his foundation said on social media, he died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.
Valentino and Salma Hayek at the EE 2019 British Academy Film Awards on February 10, 2019 at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Source: Profimedia
Only a few designers can boast what Valentino has achieved during a rich career of almost 50 years. Last year, the world of fashion also said goodbye to another giant:
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In the article you will read:
- about his design beginnings,
- what inspired him to create his own color,
- which famous women he dressed
- more about his lifelong relationship
He already knew that he would be special. His mother named him after the sex symbol of the 20s, the Italian actor Rudolph Valentino, who was a star of silent films. He smelled fashion at a very young age, in a salon in his hometown, near Milan. His aunt, who owned it, was a seamstress. Already at the age of nine, he knew exactly what he wanted to do in life and he succeeded. He did not like the clothes he wore as a child.
When he was 17, he went to Paris to study at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts and Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.
Paris Fashion Week in 1994. ” title=”Valentino at work during Paris Fashion Week in 1994. “/>
Valentino at work during Paris Fashion Week in 1994.
Source: Profimedia
And he gathered the greatest inspiration during his artistic beginnings. When he saw a woman in red velvet as an apprentice at the opera, it appealed to him very much. He was convinced that no other color is as unmistakable as this one.
As one of the few, he could boast of his own shade of color. Valentino red, i.e. special red, is a particularly bright mixture of 100% magenta, 100% yellow and 10% black.
Both Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor loved him
Already in the 1950s, he gained experience in various Parisian fashion houses. He then returned to Rome to found his own label and was a real design star in the 60s.
His qualities are evidenced by the fact that when American President JF Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, his wife Jackie approached Valentino to create a mourning wardrobe for her. Later they became friends and he also sewed her a dress for her wedding to businessman Onassis.
Valentino was a very close friend of Jackie Kennedy. Pictured in 1976.
Source: Profimedia
Among his top clients were such “great women” as actress Elizabeth Taylor or the British Princess Diana. He dressed many actresses, not only for spectacular movie nights, but also for their own weddings.
Valentino was such a concept in the world of fashion that in the middle of the psychedelic 60s full of colors and hippie style, he could afford to make a groundbreaking white collection.
Collezione Bianca rewrote history by surprising Valentino with pure and calm white, cream and sand colors. It was in this collection that the famous “V” logo first appeared, which became a status symbol.
The man who helped him with the empire
However, the success of his brand was not only his merit. In the 1960s, his business and life partner Giancarlo Giammetti (87) helped him build his empire. While Valentino handled the creative, Giancarlo was the business brain.
And although the romantic relationship lasted only 12 years, the real one was for life, and Giametti stayed by his side until the end. As they jointly claimed, their relationship turned into “brotherly love” and the pair became “blood brothers”. This means that they were more devoted to each other than perhaps any married couple.
Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani with his partner Giancarlo Giametti in 2008.
Source: Reuters
Giancarlo told Vanity Fair magazine in 2013: “I was only 30 when the physical part of our relationship ended and it was hard at first, we had to deal with jealousy issues.“
And he continued, “But we’re all grown-ups—very grown-ups—and we know that time heals all problems. We’ve always wanted to be the best for each other. But, you know, Valentino and I have never been in the same household to begin with. That’s probably why your love for each other has lasted.”
Lover of beauty and luxury
Valentino was known for his love of luxury and lavish living. He owned some really luxurious properties and a yacht that became an icon.
In addition to a castle in France, his property also included a villa in Rome, a yacht and houses in London and Gstaad. In addition to a number of servants, he was always accompanied by his dogs. It was a pack of six pugs. Valentino spent his last years in a well-deserved retirement. In one of his last interviews, he reflected on why he was so successful as a designer.
Fashion designer Valentino in the company of models Naomi Campbell and Elle Macpherson in 1995.
Source: Profimedia
„I think I have succeeded because for all these decades it has always been important to me to create beautiful clothes,He was quoted by the Daily Mail.
“The grunge style, the unkempt look… I don’t care, I really don’t. I can’t look at women who are ruined, don’t have good hair or look weird, have stupid make-up and clothes that make the figure look ridiculous,” he continued.
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“I’m not the gentleman type; I’m not the creator type. I want to create a girl that people turn to when she comes dressed and say, ‘You look amazing!’ That’s what I’ve always done and what I’ve really wanted to achieve all along.”
That’s exactly how he will be remembered by the many famous women he helped achieve. They are already paying tribute to him. The farewell to the last fashion emperor will be held in Rome on Friday.
Which famous women were Valentine’s muses? Reminisce with us in our photo gallery:
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