Valentino Garavani,Iconic Designer of ‘Valentino Red,’ Dies at 93
Valentino Garavani,the celebrated Italian designer whose glamorous gowns – frequently in his signature shade of “valentino red” – defined high fashion for nearly half a century,has died at his home in Rome. He was 93 years old, his foundation announced.
The foundation described Garavani as “not only a constant guide and inspiration for all of us, but a true source of light, creativity and vision.” His passing marks the end of an era for the fashion world,leaving behind a legacy of timeless elegance and a clientele that spanned royalty,Hollywood stars,and global elites.
Garavani’s body will lie in repose at the foundation’s headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday (local time), with a funeral scheduled for Friday at the basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome’s Piazza della Repubblica.
Universally known simply as Valentino, the designer captivated generations with his ability to make women feel beautiful. “I know what women want,” he famously remarked.”They want to be beautiful.” He consistently delivered on that promise,crafting designs that emphasized femininity and grace.
throughout his nearly 50-year career, spanning from the 1960s to his retirement in 2008, Valentino rarely misstepped, establishing himself as the “king of the red carpet” and the go-to designer for A-list awards ceremonies. His creations graced countless Academy Awards,including a memorable appearance in 2001 when Julia Roberts wore a vintage black and white column gown to accept her Best Actress statue.Cate Blanchett also chose Valentino – a one-shouldered silk dress in butter-yellow – when she won the Oscar for best Supporting Actress in 2004.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Valentino’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a keen understanding of the female form. born May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, Valentino’s passion for fashion was ignited by his childhood love of cinema.”I was crazy for silver screen, I was crazy for beauty, to see all those movie stars being sensation, well dressed, being always perfect,” he explained. He studied fashion in Milan and Paris, honing his skills with designers Jean Desses and Guy Laroche before establishing his own house in Rome on Via Condotti in 1959.
Giammetti played a crucial role in the brand’s success, managing the business side while Valentino cultivated a loyal clientele among the world’s elite.Despite early financial challenges, the brand flourished, attracting early fans such as Gina Lollobrigida, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn.The support of American Vogue editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland was also instrumental in his rise.
Over the years, the Valentino empire expanded to include ready-to-wear, menswear, and accessories. in 1998, Valentino and Giammetti sold the label to an italian holding company for an estimated US$300 million, with Valentino continuing in a design role for another decade.
A lavish three-day celebration in Rome, culminating in a grand ball at the Villa Borghese gallery, marked his 45th anniversary in fashion in 2007. Valentino retired in 2008, and the brand has seen several design shifts as, including brief tenures with Alessandra Facchinetti, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, and most recently, Alessandro Michele.
Today, Valentino is owned by Qatar’s Mayhoola (70%) and the French luxury conglomerate Kering (30%), with an option for Kering to gain full control in 2028 or 2029.Richard Bellini was appointed CEO last September.
Valentino’s legacy extends beyond his designs, encompassing numerous retrospectives, including an exhibition at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris’ Louvre Museum.The 2008 documentary, “Valentino: The Last Emperor,” offered a glimpse into the final years of his career. In 2011, Valentino and Giammetti launched a “virtual museum,” allowing fans to explore 300 of his iconic pieces online. His influence on the world of fashion remains undeniable, a testament to his enduring vision of timeless elegance and unwavering dedication to making women feel beautiful.
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