Introduction
Body
- Apprenticeship in Rome.
- Debut of his fashion line.
- Famous works.
- End of his career.
Conclusion
Introduction
He was born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani on the 11th of May 1932 to parents to Teresa de Biaggi and Mauro Garvani. While in primary school he met his love for fashion by being an apprentice for a local designer named Ernestina Salvadeo who happened to be an aunt of Aldo Giorgini and his aunt Rosa. With the support of his parents he moved to Paris at the Chambre Syndicate de la Couture Parisienne and Ecole des Beaux-Arts. After he was done he found apprenticeship with Jacques Fath but he later moved on to Balenciaga.
- Apprenticeship in Rome
It was during this period that he also apprenticed for Jean Desses. This is where he had his first encounter with Countess Jacqueline de RIbes. It was here that he helped style his famous dress for her using her dress ideas. He also helped to greet clients who came for the 2:30 pm v.i.p showings. Furthermore, he also helped sometimes with window dressing. After this stint he joined Guy Laroche and worked for 2 years. He went back again to work for Jean Desses but left after 5 years due to a case of prolonged holiday trip. Guy Laroche once again proved to be his friend and asked him to join his fashion house known as “tiny tiny”.
During this time he consulted with his parents and in 1959 he decided to return to Italy where he set up in Rome. The premises in which he had his fashion house was very grand because of the influence he had come back with from Paris. He also flew in models from Paris for his very first show. From this is when he became very famous for his red dresses that later on in the industry that would be known as “Valentino red”.
- Debut of his fashion line
It was in 1962 where his worldwide debut took place in Florence which was the Italian capital at that time. His first show did so well that he started getting orders from foreign buyers. It also led him to receive a good press review. His haute couture designs are most exquisite as they have been worn by the likes of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gwyneth Paltrow just to mention but a few. He had a Master of Couture Exhibition on the 29th November 2012- 3rd March 2013 where he showcased 130 exquisite haute couture designs.
- Famous works
His famous designs include the Red silk crepe dress. When showcased on the fall of 1965. It was in his iconic clear red which was modelled by the princess Luciana Pinantelli. It was such a significant piece to him that he had it put in its own glass cube at the Ara Pacis museum. Next in line is the Nile green embroidered satin one –shouldered toga dress. This elegant dress is so simple in design that from a first glance it looks as if a lady would have just simply draped a satin shawl across one shoulder.
- End of his career
On 4th September 2007, he made a choice to retire fully from the world of fashion. On the coming year in January he did so but in style. He held his last haute coutre show which was held in Paris. On October 4th he delivered his final women’s ready to wear show. His contribution to the fashion world is priceless both in design and methodology. He will forever and always remain a fashion icon of all time.
Conclusion
His life is a good of example of how hard work and passion can drive a simpleton with a vision to soaring heights and achievements . A guru in his own field that has perfected the art of dress making, comfort, beauty and elegance .
Works Cited
"The Hamishsphere: The Top Ten Looks from the Valentino Archives - Vogue Daily - Vogue."Vogue Fashion, Features, and More on Vogue.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2013.
Tyrnauer, Matt, Armando Chitolina, Suzy Menkes, Benedikt Taschen, and Chris Miller.Valentino: A Grand Italian Epic. Hong Kong: Taschen, 2009. Print.
"Valentino Virtual Fashion Museum Opens Its Doors - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2013.
