A Tribute to Valentino Garavani: The Last Emperor of Fashion
- Claudia Limaverde Costa
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
When speaking of fashion legends, Valentino Garavani stands alone. His name is synonymous with opulence, elegance, and timeless beauty, qualities that earned him the title of the Last Emperor of Fashion. Born in Italy and launching his fashion house in the early 1960s, Valentino revolutionised the world of haute couture with his refined vision, impeccable craftsmanship, and unparalleled understanding of sensuality and grace. Over the decades, his designs have embodied an air of aristocratic sophistication, merging Italian heritage with modern glamour. From the first haute couture collection in 1962 to his departure from the company in 1998, Valentino redefined what it meant to be a true fashion icon. Even today, his legacy endures through the collections and creative directions of his successors, particularly through the iconic Valentino Red.
Red, the colour of passion, power, and sensuality, became Valentino’s signature, a vibrant, unforgettable hue that came to symbolise his design philosophy. The story of Valentino's fascination with red dates back to his youth, when he attended the opera Carmen and was mesmerised by the dramatic use of the colour throughout the production. That moment would change the way Valentino viewed colour and, ultimately, the way the world would view his designs. It was in 1959 that he unveiled his now-iconic Fiesta dress, a strapless gown with a voluminous tulle skirt adorned with tulle flowers. The bold red of the dress was not just a colour, but a statement - a symbol of sensuality, power, and timeless femininity. Valentino's passion for the colour remained constant throughout his career, becoming an emblem of his design aesthetic and a defining feature of his legacy. Even after his departure in 1998, every creative director who succeeded him honoured his devotion to red, ensuring that the essence of Valentino lived on.
Valentino’s designs were not just about fashion; they were about creating art. Take, for example, the Fall/Winter 1995 collection, which explored a darker, more gothic interpretation of romanticism. One of the most unforgettable moments was when model Shalom Harlow graced the runway in an intricately designed black gown, its sheer skirt revealing a delicate pink underlay. The bodice, embellished with three-dimensional floral accents, captured Valentino’s ability to blend simplicity with complexity. Another standout from the same collection was Naomi Campbell’s seductive black dress, a piece that seemed timeless from the front but revealed intricate black shimmer and sculptural details as she turned, showing the designer’s keen sense of detail and allure.
The romantic motif, which Valentino often revisited, was brought to life most poignantly in his Spring/Summer 1995 collection titled Garden Cocktail Party. This show, with its voluminous skirts and corset-inspired designs, embodied the very essence of elegance and sensuality. Fabrics like chiffon and satin were used to create simple yet stunning silhouettes, such as the slip dress, which shimmered under the lights, proving that even the most minimalist designs could be seductive.
Valentino’s muse, the former First Lady Jackie Kennedy, further cemented his status as a designer of consequence. After the tragic assassination of her husband, JFK, Jackie found solace in the world of haute couture, with Valentino becoming her designer of choice. In 1968, he created a wedding dress for her second marriage to Aristotle Onassis. The dress, controversial for its short length, reflected Jackie’s personal evolution and growing independence. With lace detailing on the bodice and a simple pleated skirt, the dress exemplified Valentino's ability to blend simplicity with sophisticated elegance.
The connection between Valentino and Hollywood was undeniable. The designer’s creations graced some of the most iconic red carpets in history, with award-winning actresses donning his dresses for their moment in the spotlight. Perhaps the most famous instance was when Julia Roberts won the Oscar in 2001 wearing a sleek, black Valentino gown with a simple white line that ran down the centre, accentuated by a dramatic tulle train. Valentino himself described this moment as one of the greatest joys of his career, as "movie stars love my clothes". Similarly, Sofia Loren’s custom gown by Valentino for her honorary Oscar in 1991 showcased the designer's ability to create daring yet timeless pieces. The gown, with its sheer skirt and intricate bodice, embodied both the glamour and sophistication that defined the designer's career. Halle Berry’s tulle gown at the 2000 Emmys was yet another example of Valentino’s capacity to create unforgettable, intricate designs.
Valentino revolutionised fashion by making elegance and sensuality its cornerstones. His mastery of fabric, his use of timeless silhouettes, and his devotion to the colour red have created a legacy that continues to influence the world of fashion. Valentino's designs were a celebration of femininity, power, and beauty. Today, as we look back at his work, we remember the man who didn't just dress the world’s elite but transformed the very idea of elegance. Valentino Garavani is, and always will be, the Last Emperor of Fashion.
Edited by Arielle Sam-Alao, Co-Fashion Editor
Comments