How Valentino’s Bold Red Dresses Defined a Fashion Empire for Decades
Valentino Garavani, born in 1932 in Voghera, Italy, built one of fashion’s most iconic brands. After training in Parisian haute couture, he launched his own label in Rome in 1959. His bold red dresses, soon nicknamed Valentino red, caught the eye of Hollywood stars and royalty alike.
The designer’s big break came when Elizabeth Taylor spotted his work while filming Cleopatra in Rome. She became his first high-profile client, followed by other influential women like Begum Aga Khan, Queen Paola of Belgium, and Audrey Hepburn. By the 1960s, his creations were already gracing red carpets and society events.
In 1960, Valentino met Giancarlo Giammetti, an architecture student who would become his business and life partner. From 1960 to 1972, Giammetti handled finances, strategy, and global expansion, turning Valentino SpA into a worldwide name. Their partnership helped solidify the brand’s reputation for luxury and elegance. The 1970s saw Valentino immersed in New York’s creative scene, mingling with figures like Andy Warhol and Diana Vreeland. His designs remained a staple among celebrities, from Joan Collins to Jacqueline Kennedy. Decades later, in the 1990s, supermodels Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell frequently wore his pieces. Valentino’s gowns continued to dominate high-profile events, including the Oscars. Stars like Jane Fonda, Julia Roberts, and Jennifer Lopez chose his designs, while later generations—Cate Blanchett, Zendaya, and Gemma Chan—kept the tradition alive.
Valentino’s career spanned over six decades, shaping modern haute couture. His signature red and timeless elegance left a lasting mark on fashion. Today, his legacy endures through the brand he and Giammetti built together.
