Valentino Garavani, the Italian fashion designer known simply as Valentino, is a true icon of the fashion world. Since his early beginnings in the 1960s and through the 80s he has held a global reputation for his couture creations and red-carpet gowns. Some of the world’s most glamorous women he has dressed include Jacqueline Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Sophia Loren.
Despite being in the spotlight, Valentino has managed to maintain privacy in his personal life. From growing up in a small town in Italy to his career and love life, here’s all you should know.
A Brief Biography of Valentino Garavani
Valentino Garavani was born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani on May 11, 1932, and he’s 92 years old at the moment. From the records, he was raised in Lombardy, Northern Italy but moved to Paris at the age of 17.
Despite being a renowed figure, he has managed to keep information about his early life and family background from the media. Nonetheless, has mentioned in several interviews that his parents Mauro Garavani (father) and Teresa de Biaggi (mother) were very supportive of his fashion pursuits. Also, his father was an electrical supply store owner in northern Italy.
As for his education, he studied at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts and later enrolled at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne where he practiced sketching.
He Developed a Passion For Fashion as a Child
Valentino developed a passion for fashion from a young age as an apprentice for his aunt Rosa and local designer, Ernestina Salvadeo. He would later move to Paris, the fashion capital of the world to pursue a career in the fashion industry which marked a turning point in his life. After studying in different fashion schools, he honed his skills under the guidance of renowned designers.
He worked as an apprentice at Jean Dessès and Christian Dior, where he learned the construction, sketching, and other fundamentals of design. After five years in Paris, Valentino returned to Italy and briefly worked at his friend Guy Laroche’s small fashion house.
Valentino Garavani Founded His Fashion Brand in 1960
With the support of Valentino’s parents and the assistance of his father’s associate, he started his fashion brand ” Maison Valentino.” in 1960.
For his first show, a number of his friends as well as models flew in from Paris is show their support. It was also around this time that he crossed paths with Giancarlo Giammetti who was in his second year of architecture school.
Following the potential he saw in the business, Giancarlo dropped out of the university and became his business partner. Even though he had no formal training in fashion, he was able to take care of everything that was not part of the creative process, allowing Valentino to focus solely on his designs. Together, they built a solid foundation for the brand and established Valentino as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. His designs were known for their exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and red color which soon earned the name Valentino Red.
In 1962, he made his international debut in Florence, where he showcased his designs and garnered praise from the fashion industry. He also made a lot of fashion changes and improvements at this time. He released his iconic “no color” collection, which featured white, beige, and ivory garments as he continued to expand, opening stores in New York City and Rome.
Throughout his career, his designs have been worn by numerous celebrities and influential figures. He has created wedding dresses for Elizabeth Taylor, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lopez, Courteney Cox, Sophie Hunter, Nicola Peltz, and Princess Madeleine of Sweden, among others. His designs have also graced red carpets and prestigious events around the world.
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The Italian Fashion Designer Retired in 2008
Valentino made headlines in 2007 when he announced his retirement from the fashion industry after nearly five decades in the business. This announcement marked the end of an era for the Valentino brand, as Garavani had been at the helm of the house since its inception.
For his retirement, he organized a spectacular final show at the Musée Rodin in Paris that featured high-profile models such as Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and Eva Herzigova, who had all worked closely with him throughout his career.
Following this, several exhibitions were dedicated to Valentino’s designs. One notable exhibition took place at Somerset House in London, where visitors had the opportunity to see a number of his designs. Additionally, a virtual museum was created to showcase his iconic creations which allowed fashion enthusiasts from around the world to appreciate his work. Additionally, A documentary titled “The Last Emperor” was also released, providing an intimate look into Garavani’s life and career.
Despite his retirement, the Valentino house continued to thrive under the leadership of subsequent creative directors. Alessandra Faccinetti, Maria Grazia Chiuri, and Pierpaolo Piccioli all played significant roles in maintaining the brand’s prominence on the international fashion scene. In 2012, the Valentino brand was sold to Oatar via investment firm Mayhoola for Investments for a staggering €700 million.
Now at the age of 88, Garavani continues to lead a life of luxury alongside his longtime partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. The couple frequently shares glimpses of their opulent homes, lavish yachts, and jet-setting adventures with their substantial Instagram followings. With 1.6 million followers for Garavani and 465,000 for Giammeand an enduring symbol of elegance and innovation.
Valentino Garavani Has Earned Numerous Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Valentino has been able to build a name in the fashion industry and his contributions have been recognized and celebrated throughout his career. He has also received numerous awards and accolades.
In 1967, Valentino was awarded the prestigious Neiman Marcus Fashion Award, marking his international recognition. He was also honored with the Golden Needle Award from the National Institute of Social Communication in 1973.
In 1989, Valentino was presented with the CFDA International Award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. This award recognized his significant contributions to the fashion industry and his global influence.
His impact was further acknowledged in 1990 when he received the French Legion of Honor, one of France’s highest honors. Two years before he retired, he was honored with the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award, which celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of fashion and style.
Most recently, he received an Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2023 Fashion Awards for his contributions to the fashion industry.
Was Valentino Ever Married?
For several years, Valentino’s love life has been the subject of much speculation and while he has had various relationships, including with actress Marilu Tolo and fashion executive Giancarlo Giammetti, we gathered that Garavani has never been married.
Valentino’s most notable relationship was with Giancarlo Giammetti, who became his business partner and confidant. As hinted earlier, the two met in 1960 and quickly formed a strong bond both personally and professionally. Despite this, they managed to keep their relationship private, only confiding in close friends and not even discussing it with their mothers Theresa and Lina, who lived with them at the time. They remained lovers for about 12 years before parting ways in 1972. However, they still remain very close.
Following the end of his relationship, he began dating Carlos Souza, a young Brazilian man. Their relationship lasted for several years until Souza eventually married Brazilian socialite Charlene Shorto in 1983, and Valentino and Giammetti became the godfathers of their sons, Sean and Anthony
In addition to his relationships, Valentino has been linked to other individuals throughout his life. He dated model Bruce Hoeksema, who was also his business partner for a period of time. Valentino’s charm and charisma also attracted the attention of Italian actress Marilù Tolo, with whom he had a brief relationship.
In 2008, the documentary film “Valentino: The Last Emperor” was released, providing an intimate look into the designer’s life and career. The film delves into his early life and personal relationships,
Valentino Garavani Has an Estimated Net Worth of $1.5 Billion
According to established records, Valentino’s has a net worth of $1.5 billion which is primarily linked to his success and influence in the fashion industry. Since his humble beginnings in 1960 and through the 80s, his business has gained global success. Over the years, he expanded his brand to include accessories, fragrances, and menswear. At present, he has over 200 directly operated stores in more than 25 countries.
Despite his retirement in 2008, he remains actively involved in the brand and serves as a consultant and ambassador.
Aside from his brand, his investments in real estate have also contributed to his net worth. He owns an impressive portfolio of properties around the world. These include a Roman villa, a mansion in London, a penthouse in Manhattan, a castle in France, and a chalet in Switzerland.
