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Italian local Valentino Garavani was born in 1932 in the town of Voghera. Like many of the world’s most famous, Valentino simply goes by his first name. As a young man he studied fashion design and French at the Accademia dell Arte in Milan. Already a star student, Valentino won the International Wool Secretariat award for his strength in fashion design, an award that Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld would both later go on to win.
Aged 18, Valentino landed his first job in fashion working with couturier Jean Desses. He later worked with Guy Laroche before going on to design his first collection in 1960, and opening a salon in Rome. Valentino quickly established his credit as a couture designer through his opulent style. Intricate designs paired with elegant body conscious silhouettes,
Valentino was a fan of full length skirts. He strongly opposed minis which he felt detracted away from a feminine body shape.
Luxurious ball gowns soon became Valentino’s most well-known look. Red carpet events still see celebrities clamouring to get their manicured hands on a Valentino gown. Stars like Julia Roberts, who wore a black Valentino gown with distinct white piping to accept her Oscar award in 2001 have cemented Valentino in fashion’s hall of fame. The lavish designer also famously designed wedding dresses for Jackie O and J.LO.
After nearly 40 years of elite dressing, Valentino felt like he had accomplished much of what he had set out to do and retired in 2007. The fashion industry mourned, but the Valentino brand continues with Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli named as current creative directors of the couture emporium.
Valentino – Classic Styles
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Throughout his glamorous life Valentino has been responsible for giving us some the most beautifully memorable evening gowns. He’s even perfected his own shade of Valentino red; his custom and distinct designing have set Valentino apart in an extremely competitive industry.
Dramatic gorgeous ball gowns are the epitome of Valentino’s haute couture and prêt-a-porter collections, often favoured by stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Elizabeth Hurley and Uma Thurman. However, diffusion lines like Valentino Uomo (for men), Valentino Roma (for women), Red Valentino and an accessories collection has conquered Valentino as an accessible luxury brand.
Garments in the women’s collection have that refined elegance synonymous with Valentino. Jewel tone dresses are elaborately ruffled, sequins and crystals embellish tops and shawls, whilst fine lace leggings seem too classy to be casual wear.
Valentino’s accessories collection is just as opulent. Swarovski crystal key rings, belts and jewellery look fit for royalty – balancing a pretty flair with a tougher edge through dark regal colours. Shoes range from patent leather pumps in Valentino red, jewelled thong sandals, to stiletto heel sandals covered in sequins, bows, rosettes and shimmer.
Sumptuous designer It bags range from glam clutches and totes, to larger shoulder and hobo bags. Bows and ruffles run rampant throughout the handbag series, also seen in royal jewel tones like deep greens, reds and purples. Further accessories include eyewear, watches and a perfume line.
Valentino’s men’s collection echoes the brand’s lavish output, with classic Italian styling. Crisp, smart suits and long leather jackets give the Valentino man a polished, slick look. Decadent and discerning, you know Valentino’s classy couture will always stay in fashion.
