My 5 Favourite Moments Of Valentino: The Last-Standing Emperor Of Fashion

It is not every couturier who is gifted his own shade of a colour.

Thence, ‘Valentino Red’, if mentioned to any fashion connoisseur or even novice, would be promptly understood. It was vivid. It was romantic, and since its origin in Valentino’s first collection in the 1950s, it has been iconic - all adjectives that fittingly describe the brand of Valentino itself.

Valentino Red comes to life

This picture was taken at Valentino's 1999-2000 Haute Couture show. This moment has become one of the most iconic fashion moments of the early aughts for the three legends that it depicts. I find it memorable that, firstly, two supermodels walking the runway together to close the show wasn’t often. Secondly, it depicts what Valentino was about.

The romantic & elegant quality of the couture and, of course, his equation with the models. The supermodels he worked with, such as Gisele, Linda Evangelista and Cindy Crawford, held him in high regard for his craftsmanship as well as their experience working with him.

If Black Swan were a dress

There have been countless Met Gala moments by Valentino that have turned heads. Yet this one is one that I return to. The year was 1979. The theme was Fashion of the Habsburg Era. Granted, eventgoers didn’t go all out, as the carpet witnesses today.

However, this ensemble remained dramatic yet elegant. Its understated quality gifted it sophistication, but its ruffled wrap crafted a sense of occasion. And of course, its wearer definitely didn’t harm its graceful quality.

The romantic-style attire was, of course, adorned by the inimitable former First Lady Jackie O Kennedy (another friend of the house who unforgettably wore Valentino for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis!) Once again, it’s the equilibritatic balance of elegance and flair that made it Valentino. 

Anne Hathaway Oscars

Valentino Red marks a triumphant return throughout the decades, often on the carpets of its sister shades. The look that made it onto multiple best dressed lists was co-host Anne Hathaway’s Valentino Red gown on the 83rd Oscars red carpet.

The archival dress walked alongside its creator, while its ruched detailing and side rosette,with its trail, stole the show. And of course, Hathaway was another friend of the brand as well as the designer. The actress referred to Valentino as a dear friend who ‘made my world brighter’ in her farewell message- possibly a recurring theme for stars who donned the couturier’s designs on a relatively regular basis, including Gwyneth Paltrow.

30 and timeless

A look recreated by Zendaya is a look destined for the hall of fame. The design worn by the star to the premiere of Euphoria’s Season 2 was first seen on Valentino’s runway for Spring/Summer 1992 in the year 1991. The fact that it returned to the red carpet about three decades later exemplifies the relevance of the designer and how his inherent sense of elegance sets the standard for multiple generations of fashion folk. And of course, the redheaded style of Linda Evangelista adds to the iconicity for of course, for her changing hairstyles and colours always added to the sense of intrigue.

Bridal couture

Unlike modern monarchies, the title of emperor wasn’t bestowed upon Valentino Garavani to be treated as a mere celebratory one. Valentino’s bridal creations weren’t just fit for celebrities, such as Anne Hathaway, or first ladies, like Jackie O, but they were also fit for royalty.

Crown Princess Marie Chantal of Greece’s wedding gown proved that the appreciation for Valentino’s craftsmanship could transcend countries & borders. The dress is believed to have been created over 4 months by 25 individuals. Pearls and floral appliques decorated the dress while a reportedly 4.5 metre Chantilly lace train dropped the jaws of those around - once again exemplifying the value of the great Valentino’s craftsmanship.

Authored by Jai Shah, freelance fashion writer, for SheThePeople Sartorial Series. Views expressed by the author are their own.