Valentino brand history

This Italian fashion house, for decades, has shaped and defined the concept of luxury, class and timeless style. Valentino brand history is thus a story of success and passion for fashion that has managed to stand the tests of time, preserving its authentic beauty. From humble beginnings in Rome, where the idea was born, to today’s global influence and legacy, we will discover the roots and development of this fashion legend and see how it has evolved with the passing decades. We will take a closer look at both the creativity of the designers and the influential moments that have made the Valentino brand one of the The 10 most expensive brands in the world.

Origins – Dolce Vita of the 1960s.

The history of the Valentino brand dates back to the 1960s, when a young Italian, Valentino Garavani, decided to revolutionize the fashion world. It was a time when the clothing market seemed to be teeming with new energy, and the Italy has become the epicenter of creativity and new trends. Valentino himself, was born in Voghera, a small town in Lombardy, on May 11, 1932. He was interested in fashion from an early age, gaining his first experience working for local designers and tailors, including his aunt, Rosa.

From the very beginning, the boy clearly felt that clothing design was the closest of the arts to him, which prompted him to further develop in artistic fields. With the support of his parents, he had the opportunity to study at a renowned École des Beaux-Arts In the French capital. It is in Paris, breathing with life He also began his professional practice, working in salons established by the Jean Dessè and Guy Laroche.

In 1960, in the heart of the eternal city of Rome, Valentino opened his first boutique, with the help of Giancarlo Giammetti, with whom he not only established a business partnership, but also a long-standing friendship. Together they created the internationally recognized Valentino brand. Valentino drew inspiration from “Dolce Vita” Italy at the time, which was reflected in his designs. Designer’s debut showed not only elegant, but also bold creations that reflected the spirit of freedom and independence of the era. His works were sophistication on the one hand, and bold experiments with form and color on the other, which made them unique.

One of the most pivotal moments in Valentino’s career was the introduction of “Valentino Red” in 1967. This saturated, deep shade of red not only became a trademark of the brand, but also a symbol of class and sophistication. “Valentino Red” has become the caesar of the color red in the fashion world, highly coveted and inspiring other designers to experiment with color. In the same year, Messrs. Garavani and Giammetti were also honored with a prestigious award from Marcus Neiman.

Era Haute Couture

Within a few years brand history Valentino gained momentum, and the company became extremely popular. Designers hailed it “Queen of Rome”.. In the 1970s and 1980s, Garavani gained recognition primarily for its stunning haute couture creations. Evening gowns and evening wear that won the hearts of models, actresses and aristocrats were the trademark of the brand. Valentino received another award in 1989 and it was the The title of Commander of the Legion of Honor. It is the highest-ranking award in France given for outstanding achievements in various fields.

Garavani loved to create outfits for specific people and for specific occasions. He was a detailer who personally took care of every detail of his creations. Airy dresses, elegant costumes, tailored trainers and the iconic red, which was named “Rosso Valentino” in his honor, are the essence of his style. It’s no wonder that the brand’s designs have received such a resounding response internationally. Customers of the fashion house included numerous stars of cinema and stage, as well as wives of politicians, including Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis.

The most iconic collections- the history of the Valentino brand

The fashion house has created many iconic collections over the years, which remain a source of inspiration for designers around the world. In addition to the aforementioned collection Valentino Red Collection (1967 ), a sensual and elegant take on classic evening gowns, a couple of others are worth mentioning. An interesting example is undoubtedly Marie Antoinette Collection from 1973, full of dresses with heart necklines and gorgeous tulle sleeves, all created as an expression of inspiration from the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette.

In the 1990s, Valentino won acclaim for his bold experiments with contrasts. Collection Punk-Chic Collection (1994) For it combined punk sensibility with haute couture elegance, a stark contrast in the fashion of the time. At a time when minimalism prevailed, Valentino opted for extravagance and sharp contrasts. The designer decided to reach for elements characteristic of punk culture, such as studs, threads, and rawness in materials, and then incorporate them into unique, high-end creations. It was a demonstration of courage and artistic experimentation, which showed that fashion can be not only sophisticated, but also extremely sensual and rebellious.

New management

Although the designer sold his brand in the 1990s, this did not mean the end of his influence in the fashion world. In 2007, the position of artistic directors was filled by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, who brought new energy to the brand. Their work drew on Valentino’s heritage while bringing in modernity and freshness. After taking over the fashion house, the brand moved toward a more romantic and delicate style. Opera Collection from 2008 is an example of this approach. It’s a collection that exudes charm and beauty, yet is modern and full of subtle details.

Also worth mentioning is the excellent Rockstud Collection (2010). This iconic series of accessories, launched shoes and evening bags with distinctive star-shaped rivets, known as “rockstuds.” The collection was also interestingly presented, referring to the one released in 1994 Ethno-Punk Collection (2020). It was Pierpaolo Piccioli’s attempt to combine traditional ethnic patterns with the spirit of punk rebelliousness. This experimental approach to fashion, which took place thirty years ago, is back on the catwalk in a total new unusual version.

The history of the Valentino brand- what is it like today?

So it can be said that under the leadership of Pierpaolo Piccioli, the Valentino brand has undergone a transformation to a more romantic and delicate aesthetics. His designs are full of subtlety, lace details, pastel shades and airy fabrics. It’s romance in a haute couture edition. And yet Valentino remains true to the tradition of haute couture. Based in Rome, it is still the heart of the brand, and each collection reflects the spirit of Italy, the craftsmanship of the artisans and the passion of the designers. This commitment to craftsmanship and quality is still the foundation of the brand.

The brand has undergone many changes, but remains true to its classic roots. Valentino designs are a combination of classic and modern, which makes them attractive to both older and younger generations. The story of the Valentino brand is not only a fascinating tale of success, but also a source of valuable lessons and inspiration for future entrepreneurs, fashion designers and lovers of the fashion world. It shows that inspiration can be found in various places, such as culture, art, history or even music. It’s an encouragement to look for creative sources of inspiration and to constantly develop your vision. You will also read on our blog Hugo Boss brand history and Versace.