Valentino fashion transcends time; the V is recognized in every corner of the globe, and today, 91-year-old Valentino Garavani still occasionally designs. The last emperor, Valentino, sold the fashion house in 1998, yet continued to serve as its designer. He retired in 2008 at the age of 76. Valentino’s creations have captivated the world’s most famous women—after all, who doesn’t know Jacqueline Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, or Liz Taylor? The latter was the first Hollywood actress to wear a Valentino dress. The history of the Valentino brand spans over 60 years. Times have changed, perspectives on fashion have evolved, but garments bearing the V logo remain among the most coveted in the world.
The Valentino fashion house offers clothing for women and men, accessories, fragrances, and cosmetics. Valentino Garavani even patented his own color, the signature V red. The history of the Valentino brand is as fascinating as the life and work of its founder.
Who was Valentino Garavani?
He was born in 1932 in Italy, in the Lombardy region. From an early age, he was interested in fashion and fascinated by art. That’s why, as a young adult, he decided to pursue a career in clothing design. His first steps led him to Milan, where he honed his French among other things, and later he moved to Paris. For Italians in the French fashion world, it was by no means easy, and aspiring designers from other countries also faced challenges in Paris. However, Valentino won one of the prestigious competitions, which became his ticket to work for a world-renowned fashion designer of the 1940s, 1950s, and beyond. That designer was none other than Jean Dessès.
The story of the Valentino brand begins with a young designer working alongside the world’s top designers. You’re probably also familiar with fashion houses like Balenciaga (the Spanish designer) and Laroche (the French designer).
A young Valentino discovers the world of French elegance and luxury. He quickly becomes part of the global elite. He learned his craft under the guidance of the best, but above all, he has his own unique style.
The Sheikh of Style is coming – the beginning of V
It’s no coincidence that John Fairchild called Valentino the sheikh of chic. John Fairchild was, among other things, the editor and publisher of WWD (Women’s Wear Daily), the fashion bible.
At the end of the 1950s, enriched with knowledge, skills, and undeniable creativity, Valentino returned to Italy. He met Giancarlo Giammetti, co-founder of V and his life partner. The division of roles at the Valentino fashion house was clear, and this is certainly the aspect of the brand’s history that contributed to its flourishing. Valentino devoted himself to creativity, while Giancarlo handled business and logistics.
When he founded his own brand, his parents provided financial support. His boutique was established on one of Rome’s most famous fashion streets, Via dei Condotti. In the early 1960s, the first Valentino fashion show took place. At that time, Liz Taylor was in Italy and stopped by his boutique. She quickly fell in love with V’s designs. The craftsmanship and talent of the young designer were also recognized by French Vogue, which featured him on its cover.
No Color – the story of the Valentino brand gains momentum
If you ask anyone today what color is associated with Valentino, almost everyone will say red. Yet it was actually ‘no color’—light shades like white, ivory, and beige—during the 1967 fashion show that brought Valentino true success. For this collection, the designer received the Neiman Marcus Award. This collection not only marked his entry into the world’s top designers but also signaled the beginning of the iconic V.
From Rome to New York
The early 1970s saw rapid business growth. In 1969, Valentino opened a boutique in Milan, and in the following years, his clothes were already being sold in boutiques in Rome and New York.
He is considered a fashion icon, and his designs are timeless. He combined French elegance with Italian style, creating a unique approach to fashion. He didn’t chase novelty; instead, he crafted a new kind of elegance. Ahead of his time, he set new trends and remains synonymous with luxury.
The V fashion house was run by partners until 1998, when they decided to sell the company. The buyer was the Italian holding HdP. Valentino was sold for around $300 million. The owner of HdP was Gianni Agnelli, a wealthy Italian businessman and the main shareholder of the well-known car brand FIAT. Meanwhile, Valentino continued to work as a designer.
The history of the Valentino brand in the following years is one of dynamic business growth, which in 2002 was acquired—after being sold for $210 million—by a Milan-based textile company. A decade later, in 2012, another transaction took place. The Valentino fashion house was purchased by the Qatari investment fund (Mayhoola).
Valentino Rosso – has any designer ever patented their own color?
Valentino became renowned for his artistry, creativity, and understated elegance. There’s one more thing you should know: Red Valentino—the brand’s signature trademark. Much like Hermès’s iconic orange. Valentino red is instantly recognizable, impossible to define in simple terms. It’s vibrant, energizing, and optimistic.
The history of the Valentino brand would not be the same without red. It all began when a young Valentino, attending the opera, noticed an older woman in the crowd wearing a striking red dress. He fell in love with the color and brought a new shade of red to life. As he himself said about this color, it is his talisman—he simply adores red and loves to surround himself with it.
Rosso is a registered trademark. Valentino created it by mixing the colors magenta, yellow, and black.
Women who fell in love with Valentino. Kennedy, Taylor, Hepburn—they wrote the history of the Valentino brand
The world’s most famous women have fallen in love with the creations of the Italian fashion house. So much so that they entrusted the designer with the most important dresses of their lives. Jacqueline Kennedy adored the understated elegance of Valentino. He designed her iconic mourning dresses as well as her wedding gown when she married Aristotle Onassis. Decades later, Jacqueline Kennedy remains an inspiration to women and an undeniable style icon.
The first Hollywood star to wear a Valentino dress was Liz Taylor. Valentino recalled in interviews his first meeting with the great star. He was deeply captivated by her, and as it turned out, Elizabeth Taylor fell in love with his dresses and often chose them for her most important appearances.
Valentino’s designs were quickly embraced by celebrities overseas, and that remains true today. Valentino is one of the most recognizable fashion houses in the world. It is associated with luxury and understated elegance, but always with a unique twist.
Currently, Valentino offers Haute Couture and Prêt-à-Porter clothing. For both women and men. The fashion house also features Valentino Garavani accessories, including: shoes.
Proper management of the fashion house has brought it to the top; today, it is one of the leaders in the fashion industry.