The fashion world continues to reflect on the monumental legacy of Valentino Garavani, the Italian couturier who passed away recently, leaving behind an indelible mark on haute couture. Founding his eponymous fashion house in 1960, Valentino’s designs became synonymous with elegance and glamour, gracing international red carpets and award ceremonies for over six decades.
This retrospective showcases the designer’s profound influence through his relationships with iconic figures. The late Diana, Princess of Wales, exemplified Valentino’s regal aesthetic in a sophisticated velvet and lace creation in 1992. Throughout the 1990s supermodel era, Valentino frequently collaborated with fashion luminaries including Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista, and Helena Christensen, defining the decade’s glamour standards.
The designer’s Hollywood connections produced memorable red carpet moments, with Sharon Stone, Halle Berry, and Cate Blanchett wearing Valentino creations to major events including the Golden Globes and Academy Awards. Berry’s bronze gown at the 2002 Golden Globes and Blanchett’s silk-taffeta dress at the 2005 Oscars demonstrated Valentino’s mastery of both color and structure.
Valentino maintained particularly close personal relationships with several stars, referring to Anne Hathaway as “like my daughter” and considering Gwyneth Paltrow a cherished friend. Following his passing, Paltrow expressed being “so lucky to know and love Valentino,” while Jennifer Lopez frequently selected his designs for her most prominent public appearances.
Even after his 2008 retirement, the Valentino brand continues to captivate the fashion world under creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. Recent appearances by Pedro Pascal at the 2023 Met Gala demonstrate the label’s ongoing relevance and ability to capture public attention, proving that Valentino’s vision continues to inspire contemporary fashion.