In May of 1932, one of the world’s most prominent fashion designers was born in Voghera, Italy. Valentino Garavani, known in the professional world as Valentino, is most famous for creating some of the most elegant eveningwear and classic designs in the world. During his childhood, Valentino pursued interests in fashion, painting and architecture. During his teenage years, he moved to Paris where he enrolled at the École des Beaux Arts and later, the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, where he studied fashion. As a student, he was awarded a prestigious prize for fashion design, which led him to the attention of couturier Jean Desses, whom Valentino took his first design job. By the 60’s, he was ready to establish himself as a designer. He had a strong aspiration to design clothes that would celebrate and emphasize the feminine shape. It was that ambition that marked the success of his first collection. From there, Valentino emerged as one of the most admired couturiers; he was even given the Neiman Marcus Award in 1967, which is the equivalent to receiving an Oscar in the fashion world. In 1986, he was awarded the Calvaliere di Gran Croce, the highest decoration possible in Italy. Attention was drawn to his full-length skirts, signature “Valentino red” and his simple contrast of black and white. He has created some of the most sophisticated styles to be seen and worn, particularly for the evening, the time of day in which his vibrant and luxurious dresses have expressed themselves at their very best. Valentino can be found in a variety of prestigious stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue and has been popular among the rich and famous for over four decades. Some of these stars include Elizabeth Taylor, Halle Berry, Jennifer Gardner, and Jackie Onassis. Known for always looking as tasteful and elegant as his clothing, Valentino celebrates his 46th anniversary in the fashion world this summer.
