Remembering Valentino Garavani, fashion’s last true couturier

The passing of Valentino Garavani marks the end of one of the most influential chapters of the fashion industry. Valentino, widely regarded as one of the last true couturiers, built a brand that reshaped ideas of elegance, luxury, and femininity, leaving an imprint that will surely continue to guide the fashion world long after his final collection.

Born in Voghera, Italy, he developed an early interest in art and fashion, which led him to formal training in Paris. There, he absorbed the technical discipline of French haute couture before returning to Italy to establish his own fashion house in Rome in 1960. 

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During the period, when Paris dominated the global fashion conversation, Valentino’s decision to work from Rome was significant. It positioned Italian couture as a serious and sophisticated force.

Valentino rose to international prominence through his precise tailoring, refined silhouettes, and a consistent commitment to elegance. His designs avoided excess, instead focusing on balance, structure, and the quality of the fabric. 

He believed that clothing should enhance the wearer's features rather than overpower them. This belief influenced his collections for years and set him apart from designers who hankered after trends.

One of his most recognisable contributions to fashion is Valentino Red. It was a specific shade that beautifully aligned with the brand. The bold yet feminine colour represented confidence, romance, and authority, all at the same time. Over time, it became more than a signature and took an identity that instantly recalled the designer’s aesthetic.

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Competently, Valentino’s designs had attracted some of the most prominent women of the twentieth century. Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, as well as later generations of public figures, flaunted his creations. Needless to say, this maestro’s reputation as a designer was trusted for both private and historic occasions.

Even after Valentino retired from active design, his design brand continued to reflect his ideologies. His attention to detail, proportion, and unmatched timeless appeal was what had taken it to an elevated position. 

In the end, his legacy goes beyond just his designs and colour choices. It treated fashion as a discipline grounded in respect, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.