Valentino

Valentino , born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani, is a italian luxury fashion designer. Valentino moved to Paris to pursue his love of fashion after apprenticing for his aunt. In france, he went to the Ecole des beaux-arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la couture to study fashion. After five years of apprenticing for various designers in France, he decided to return to italy in 1959. In 1960 Valentino opened a fashion house in Rome. His first house of couture resembled many french styles. Everything was over the top and he had all of his models flown in from paris for his fashion shows. It was at this location that Valentino became known for his red dresses which eventually became known as having the color "Valentino Red".

Valentino's international debut took place in the fashion capital of Florence Italy. Valentino received a lot of praise from former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy. She demanded that he show a collection in the united states. He personally sent her a model and numerous of his best looks. She ordered six of his couture dresses and became a frequent client of his. She inspired him to make predominantly white designs that would later develop into an all white collection famous for his "V" logo. Kennedy also inspired him to spend much of his time in the new york.

In 1990 Valentino opened an art exhibit called Accademia Valentino. Soon after Valentino teamed up to create an organisation to support AIDS patents that benefit from Accademia Valentino. In 1998 Valentino sold his company for 300 million dollars. which was eventually resold to a textile company with a 180 million dollar profit. In 2007 Valentino released that he would be retiring and giving his last show in 2008. His last show received a standing ovation from the entire audience including hundreds of celebrities. In 2012 an exhibit opened celebrating the life and work of Valentino showcasing over 130 designs. Valentino has also has a short film career featured in the hit movie Devil Wears Prada and Zoolander 2.

The Valentino brand name still lives on and continues to produce new collections every season. The online website features videos and images from previous collections. It also features some ready to wear designs that can be purchased online. Most designs feature a simple streamlined silhouette with some bold patterns and color. The collections available online display asian influences, influence from marvel superheroes, tie die and african patterns, and many floral island patterns. All designs range from 1,000 to 20,000 US dollars. Valentino is a luxury brand that is both timeless and effortless. Valentino's 60 year career continues to live on through his brand.