Valentino (fashion designer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Valentino
Valentino at the Cannes Film Festival 2007
Born	Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani (1932-05-11)11 May 1932 Voghera, Italy
Died	19 January 2026(2026-01-19) (aged 93) Rome, Italy
Education	École des Beaux-Arts, Paris
Label(s)	Valentino
Partner(s)	Marilù Tolo Giancarlo Giammetti
Parent(s)	Teresa de Biaggi Mauro Garavani
Awards	Grande ufficiale dell' Ordine al merito della Repubblica Italiana, Cavaliere del Lavoro, The Neiman Marcus Award, Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur

Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani (born May 11, 1932 – died January 19, 2026), known simply as Valentino, was a famous Italian fashion designer. He founded the well-known Valentino brand and company. His fashion lines included Valentino, Valentino Garavani, Valentino Roma, and R.E.D. Valentino. He was celebrated for his elegant designs and especially for his signature "Valentino red" dresses.

The Life of Valentino, a Fashion Icon

Early Dreams and Learning Fashion

Valentino was born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy. His mother named him after the famous actor Rudolph Valentino. He became interested in fashion at a young age. He learned from his aunt Rosa and a local designer named Ernestina Salvadeo.

With help from his parents, Valentino moved to Paris to study fashion. He attended the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. He also gained experience by working with famous designers like Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche.

Opening His Own Fashion House

In 1959, Valentino returned to Italy. He worked with other designers before opening his own fashion house in Rome in 1960. His father and a business partner supported him. His studio on the fancy Via Condotti was very grand. Models even flew in from Paris for his first show.

It was in Rome that Valentino became known for his bright red dresses. This special shade of red became famous in the fashion world as "Valentino red." In 1960, Valentino met Giancarlo Giammetti. Giancarlo soon became his business partner and a close companion. Together, they helped the Valentino brand grow.

Palazzo Gabrielli-Mignanelli, Valentino's Roman residence

Becoming a Global Fashion Star

Valentino's designs first gained international attention in 1962 in Florence, Italy. Florence was a major fashion city at that time.

A big moment came in 1964 when Jacqueline Kennedy saw one of his designs. She was so impressed that she ordered six of his special dresses. She wore these elegant black and white dresses during her year of mourning after President John F. Kennedy's passing. From then on, she became a loyal client and friend. Valentino later designed the white gown she wore for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis.

In 1966, Valentino moved his fashion shows to Rome. The next year, he created a famous all-white collection. This collection also introduced his well-known "V" logo.

A wedding dress by Valentino

Valentino's Signature Style

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Valentino's designs were always stylish. He created beautiful clothes for both everyday wear and special occasions. He was known for his perfectly tailored outfits. His designs often featured bright colors and unique prints.

Valentino's style sometimes included popular trends of the time. These included different skirt lengths, from midi to mini. He also used shoulder pads and various pant styles. His evening wear often had ruffles and elegant details. The "V" logo was sometimes very noticeable, and other times it was a subtle detail on a belt or scarf.

He was a favorite designer for many famous people. Actress Joan Collins often wore his creations on the popular TV show Dynasty. This helped make Valentino's name even more famous around the world.

A dress worn by Audrey Hepburn at The Proust Bal at Château de Ferrières in 1971

Giving Back: Art and Charity

In 1990, Valentino opened the Accademia Valentino in Rome. This was a cultural center designed by architect Tommaso Ziffer. It hosted art exhibitions and was a place for creativity.

The next year, Valentino and Giancarlo Giammetti started L.I.F.E. This organization helped people affected by HIV/AIDS. The Accademia Valentino supported L.I.F.E.'s important work.

The Business Side of Valentino

Valentino's company grew into a major fashion business. In 1998, Valentino and Giancarlo Giammetti sold the company. Later, in 2002, Valentino S.p.A. was sold to Marzotto Apparel, a large textile company.

Since 2012, the Valentino fashion house has been owned by Mayhoola for Investments S.P.C. This is a holding company supported by investors from Qatar. Today, Valentino has over 160 stores and more than 1300 sales points in over 90 countries.

Saying Farewell to the Runway

On September 4, 2007, Valentino announced his retirement. He decided to step away from the fashion world in January 2008. His last women's ready-to-wear show was in Paris on October 4, 2007.

His final haute couture show took place at the Musée Rodin in Paris on January 23, 2008. Many famous models and celebrities attended to celebrate his amazing career. The audience gave him a standing ovation.

After Valentino's retirement, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli became the Creative Directors of the brand. Later, Pierpaolo Piccioli became the sole Creative Director. In March 2024, Alessandro Michele was announced as the new creative director.

Valentino in Movies and Documentaries

In 2006, Valentino made a special appearance as himself in the popular movie The Devil Wears Prada.

A documentary film about the designer, Valentino: The Last Emperor, premiered in 2008. The film showed Valentino and his team during important events. Filmmakers spent over 250 hours capturing his life and work. It offered a unique look into the world of this fashion icon.

Special Awards and Recognitions

Valentino received many honors for his contributions to fashion.

• In 2006, French President Jacques Chirac awarded him the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur. This is a very high honor in France.
• In 2008, he received the Medal of the City of Paris for his work in fashion.
• In 2011, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology honored him with the Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion.
• In 2017, he received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.
• In 2023, Valentino won the 'Outstanding Achievement Award' at the Fashion Awards.

A collection of black dresses by Valentino at the Museo Ara Pacis in Rome

Valentino's Love for Pugs

Valentino had a great love for dogs, especially pugs. He even named one of his clothing lines after his pug, Oliver. He owned several pugs and often traveled with them. His pugs were a special part of his life.

Valentino owned several pugs throughout his life.

Passing Away

Valentino passed away in Rome on January 19, 2026, at the age of 93.

Valentino Quotes

• "I have my favourite fashion decade, yes, yes, yes: 60s. It was a sort of little revolution; the clothes were amazing but not too exaggerated."
• "Even as a young boy, my passion was to design, and I have been very lucky to be able to do what I have loved all my life. There can be few greater gifts than that."
• "I know what women want. They want to be beautiful."
• "Only wear clothes that make you feel alive."
• "Elegance is the balance between proportion, emotion and surprise."
• "I like things simple."

See Also

In Spanish: Valentino para niños

• Thomas Ammann
• Jacqueline de Ribes
• Love Ball

Images for kids

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  Château de Wideville [fr], Valentino's castle near Paris

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  Valentino's yacht moored in Porto Santo Stefano, Italy