Valentino Garavani
(1932 - )
Valentino Garavani was born in Voghera, Italy, on May 11, 1932. He studied design in Milan and in 1950, Valentino went to Paris, where he studied design at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Valentino apprenticed under Vogherese
designer Ernestina Salvadeo. In Paris he worked for Jean Desses and in 1957 Valentino worked for Guy Laroche. When he returned to Italy in 1959, he opened his own fashion house in via Condotti in Rome with financial backing from his family.
In 1960, Valentino moved to Rome and met Giancarlo Giammetti, who became his business administrator and partner and who until the present time has been fundamental in the worldwide expansion and success of Valentino’s fashion house. Also in 1960, Valentino moved his fashion house to via Gregoriana, 54, and quickly became the favorite designer of the movie stars. His first fashion show on the runway of the Sala Bianca in the Palazzo Pitti in Florence in July 1962, secured his success. For the first time French Vogue dedicated its cover to an Italian Designer.
In 1967, Valentino received the Neiman Marcus Award in Dallas, the equivalent of an Oscar in the field of fashion. In 1998, Valentino was sold to Italy's Holding di Partecipazion Industriali. In 2002, Valentino was sold again to Marzotto Apparel, a company that also owns Hugo Boss, Marlboro Classic, Gianfranco Ferre, and M Missoni. The company now appeals to a younger customer with Valentino Red (its less expensive line) and Valentino Roma, an evening and daywear diffusion line.
In 2006, Valentino received France's distinguished Legion d'Honneur. Valentino's empire features men's and women's couture collections, fragrance, makeup, accessories, jeans, and leatherwear. He also counts with more than forty licenses.
