Valentino Garavani opened his first studio in 1959 in the heart of Rome, on Via dei Condotti, where luxury shops have their branches and bouncers in suits guard the entrances. Together with his business and, at times, life partner Giancarlo Giammetti, he led the brand to world fame. For the dog lover, the focus was always “la bellezza”, i.e. creating beauty. The Italian star designer is celebrating his 90th birthday today.
Born in 1932 in the small Piedmontese town of Voghera south of Milan, Valentino has dressed countless famous women from the worlds of film, television and politics over the course of his career. Elizabeth Taylor loved his clothes just as much as former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy. The latter even had her wedding dress made for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis.
Valentino’s secret to success? “I know what women want: they want to be beautiful.” He loved making women look feminine and glamorous. Valentino also attached great importance to body-hugging cuts that emphasize the female silhouette without being too obtrusive. The designer also achieved the perfect dose of eroticism by using flowing fabrics that gently caress the figure.
For love and passion
The fashion designer not only created a world-famous brand, but also his own colour, the “Rosso Valentino”. A strong red tone that is supposed to stand for love and passion.
Even after Valentino left the fashion world in 2008, the red has not disappeared from the collections, which are now under the direction of designer Pierpaolo Piccioli. At the time, Valentino justified his decision by wanting to lead a different life. However, he did not stop with fashion, but fulfilled a wish and designed costumes for the theater. He certainly has no financial worries, as he owns villas in Rome, London and New York, as well as yachts and his own plane.
Few know about the personal life of the jubilee and how he celebrates his birthday. However, he can definitely count on a gift: his home town of Voghera wants to honor him with the “keys of the city” today.
Source: Nachrichten
