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As the fashion world reflects on the recent passing of Valentino Garavani, we’re looking back at the extraordinary career of a designer whose influence helped shape modern fashion.
Born in 1932 in Lombardy, Valentino’s creative path began in Paris, where he eventually came to work with leading couturiers including Jacques Fath, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Jean Dessès, and Guy Laroche.
After parting ways with Laroche, he founded his own house in Rome and his debut quickly drew high profile admirers—most famously Elizabeth Taylor—and soon afterwards Jacqueline Kennedy became one of his most influential supporters. Their patronage helped Valentino propel Italian fashion onto the global stage.
His designs blended elegant craftsmanship with understated glamour, using techniques such as pleating, embroidery, bows, appliqué, and animal prints. Although known for his refined use of black, it was his signature “Valentino red” that became an enduring emblem of the brand. Always ahead of industry shifts, he embraced ready to wear in the late 1970s, opening international boutiques and expanding his influence beyond couture.
Across his long career, Valentino received numerous accolades, including the Order of Merit from the Italian government (1985), the Neiman Marcus Award (1987), and the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award (2000).
Valentino retired in 2008 after a spectacular farewell show at the Musée Rodin in Paris, but his house continues to thrive, and his legacy lives on through exhibitions, honours, and the Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum.
For readers wishing to explore his full career and lasting impact, you can find in-depth articles and runway photographs of some of his most famous collections on Bloomsbury Fashion Central.
