The logo ‘V’- synonymous with ultimate fashion!

The name ‘VALENTINO’ is one of the most famous names in fashion today. The Valentino fashion house was the brain child of Valentino Garavani, who is known to every fashion conscious citizen in Italy and all around the world. When he was in high school itself, he was drawn towards fashion. So he went on and studied more about fashion under the designer Ernestina Salvadeo, who was the aunt of the well known artist Aldo Giorgini. When he was aged 17, he proceeded to Paris for further studies in the same field. He was able to study at the Ecole des Beaux Arts and Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.

Once he completed his studies, he took up jobs as a trainee at the Jean Desses. Here, he assisted Jacqueline de Ribes to draw sketches of dresses on the ideas she had. After that, he worked with Guy Laroche for over 2 years.

Then in Rome he opened a fashion house in the beginning of 1960. Towards the end of the year, he met Giancarlo Giammetti, who was an architecture student. Giammetti abandoned his university studies to pursue his passion for fashion along with Valentino. The two became partners and their expertise proved to be a grand success and took the world over by storm.

Valentino – Shows and Acclaims

It was in 1962 in Florence, the fashion capital of Italy that Valentino's debut as an international designer took place. The Pitti Palace saw the overwhelming victory of his first show that was greatly welcome by enthusiasts from all over the world. He was by then flooded with orders from foreigners as well. The show revealed his true skill and craftsmanship. Valentino was recognized as a top name in the Italian fashion world by 1965.

In 1967, the Valentino White Collection was premiered and became almost celebrated for the logo "V". In the same year he was able to design a white dress for Jacqueline Kennedy. She wore it to her wedding ceremony with Aristotle Onassis. In the same year he won the Neiman Marcus award in Dallas. It is equivalent to the Oscar in the fashion world.

In 1969, Valentino opened a boutique in Milan. And in 1970, he launched his first ready-to-wear collections in New York and Rome. During the 70s, Valentino spent much time in New York. Here, he was more than welcome by well known personalities like Diana Vreeland, Steve Rubell and Andy Warhol. 1971 saw the opening of a boutique in Via Condotti for menswear.

Valentine organized a first fashion show of his ready-to-wear cloth line in 1975. The following year, he opened a boutique in Tokyo. After three years in 1978, he launched his perfume at a grand function on a special evening in Paris.

A book called ‘Valentino’ that was edited Franco Maria was published in1982. In 1983, he was able to bring about a new line for children. By the time it was 1987, Valentino was able to expand into a chain of showrooms in Japan and U.S.A. The year also saw the launch of ‘Oliver,’ for the youngsters. The name was after his pet Pug dog.

Valentino celebrated his 25years in business and received an award for the same from the nation’s Minister for Industry. In 1986, the President of Italy conferred on him the Grand'Ufficiale dell'Ordine al Merito award. And in 1986 he was lucky enough to win the highest decoration in Italy; the Cavaliere di Gran Croce also from the President. In 1989, his first show on his Haute Couture collection was held in Paris.

Organizations

A cultural centre called the ‘Academie Valentino’ was opened in 1989. It was closely located to Valentino’s boutique in Rome. The centre holds art and cultural exhibitions and activities. Valentino co founded an association called the L.I.F.E in 1990. This was in support for the AIDS victims. Valentine grandly celebrated his 30 year fashion design career amidst great celebrations during the years 1990 and 1991.

His Celebrity Clientele

Princess Diana wore memorable attire when she visited Hong Kong and London. It was a splendid burgundy velvet dress that had panelled and scalloped bodice and embroidered skirt.

An evening gown from his Summer/Spring Collection 1963 called ‘Optimista’ was included in an exhibition held at Guggenheim Museum in New York. The dress was made of silk faille and organza. The exhibition displayed post war art and culture of Italy.

In 1995, Valentino designed the bridal gown for the wedding of Marie Chantal Miller and He also made 62 dresses for other members in the family. In about 2005, Valentino won the ‘Superstar’ award in October in New York. The award was presented to him during the Fashion Group International Night of the Stars by his dear friend and famous actress Meryl Streep. Valentino also played a role in the film ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’ The film has a story line that is quite similar to the life of Diana Vreeland. Meryl Streep plays the role of a fashion editor in the film.

Valentino and his partner sold their vast fashion empire to the Marzotto Group in 1998. But Valentino still designs clothes for famous personalities and for all their collections. His celebrity clients include Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman and Gwyneth Paltrow. The royal princess of Belgium, Maxima, Marie Chantal of Greece and Mette Merit of Norway also line up as prestigious clients of Valentino. Even once, Oprah covered in her show as to how Valentino created his beyond price collection of clothing. She dearly admired all his collection and wanted to own some of them too.

Between 80s and 90s other licensed brands as Marlboro Classics, M Missoni and Hugo Boss were acquired to allow the group to consolidate its charisma in the international fashion arena.

Valentino, Today

In 2006, the French president Chirac, awarded valentine the Legion d'Honneur. While receiving the award he exclaimed that he loved America and its women folk who wear and admire his clothes.

Currently, he designs clothes for men and women and also has his own brand of perfumes and makeup lines as well. Valentino's expansion is still in progress with a network of boutiques in Japan and the USA. He is 73 and is still designing and staying in Rome.

The Valentino Group today plays a major role in fashion and luxury with goods ranging from clothes, footwear and accessories for both men and women. The Group operates in well over 100 countries through 208 directly managed shops and about 1,200 single brand boutiques.