Tanya C. Ellis, Freelance Fashion Writer
A delicate yet flirty white dress. - Photo by Tanya Ellis
For four and a half decades, Valentino Garavini's stealth creativity has set him ahead of the world's fashion pack. He has designed some of world's most beautiful clothes, worn by the world's most beautiful women. From the late Jackie Onassis to Julia Roberts, his diverse clientele spans his entire career.
Famed for his old-fashioned glamour, the Italian designer unveiled his final runway show in January of this year in Paris. He showcased a spectacular couture collection and all the hallmarks of his iconic career were present: immaculately cut skirts, sensational column dresses and Oscar-worthy floor-sweeping gowns. The extravagance of the event was to highlight the essence of one man's contribution to the global acceptance of European designs. Valentino has long received top accolades for being one of the most celebrated couturiers to have shown in Paris where he also studied at the Chambre Syndicale de la Mode.
The Valentino fashion house
The tradition of sexy, fluid lines with feminine allure is combined with a more youthful look by Italian designer, Alessandra Facchinetti, who was deemed best qualified to translate Valentino's inheritance.
Valentino has, in the past, stated that he designs for 'romantic people'. This has been the foundation for the fashion conglomerate from which he launched his first full collection back in 1962. He has amorously catered to his loyal moneyed couture clients with his classic 'Valentino' label. More recently, to the desperate-to-be glamour girls who lust after his V-logo belts and bejewelled sandals with his 'Valentino R.E.D.' label. The 'lord of fashion', as he is sometimes called, is synonymous with breathtaking red-carpet dresses. These one-off pieces usually dramatise the feminine lines of a woman in flounces of ruffles and delicate embroideries and often with the judicious representation of his favourite shade of bright red - his couture signature.
Since the beginning of his career, his designs have extended past dresses to include accessories, jeans, belts (including the one fashionistas claim can make even a sheet look fashionable). He even has a successful interior decor line. The labels of the house now include: Valentino, Valentino Garavani, Valentino Roma and R.E.D. by Valentino.
The designer has reached an unprecedented iconic status as owner of the most coveted fashion real estate in the business. This increased after the creation of R.E.D. by Valentino, capitalising on the rebellious style of a younger generation. The line is said to have reinvented the essence of the Valentino brand in a fresh new light, but still holds true to the glamorous image of the strong elegant style of the V labels. This will prove a tough task for the successor to the house.
Filling Valentino's shoe
The glamour of Valentino is embedded in the essence of the designs like this white silk dress. - Photo by Tanya Ellis
Despite the major success of the Valentino empire, many industry insiders have argued that the brand could always use a younger, more commercially focused creative director. This responsibility was given to Italian designer, Alessandra Facchinetti, who was deemed best qualified to translate the inheritance and the core values of the brand to a younger following. Having worked for several major fashion companies, including Gucci, Facchinetti promised "to bring the creative expertise of her experience to the genius that is Valentino".
Accepting that she has very big shoes to fill, she kept her promise when she rolled out her first collection for the label at the end of February this year to affirmative reviews. The collection was far more relaxed than what was expected. But the glamour of Valentino was embedded in the essence of the designs. From delicate silk dresses with soft necklines, to strapless chiffon gowns, Facchinetti secured the long lasting relationship between beautiful women and Valentino.
