A Fashion Legend Passes: Valentino Garavani – Founder & Fashion Designer at Valentino
In the world of fashion, there is a famous expression: “One day you are ‘in’; and the next day you are ‘out’.” For decades, Cameo by Copeland Cleaners, as luxury fashion dry cleaners, have been entrusted with the care of many high-end designers’ garments. Valentino Garavani’s exquisite creations remain among the finest we have maintained, with each hand-crafted piece indicative of Valentino’s genius. Early in his career, he pioneered the use of an intense red, which became his signature hue: “Valentino Red”. Additionally, his eye for distinctive lines and superb craftsmanship were noticed by leading celebrities and others in the spotlight: Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and notably, Jackie, Kennedy Onassis and Princess Diana; and later by Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Jane Fonda, Jennifer Lopez, and Cate Blanchett. Never one to pass on attending a major event with one of his clients, in 2013 Valentino accompanied Anne Hathaway to the Academy Awards, where she dazzled onstage wearing, you guessed it, a striking, Valentino Red gown.
Valentino Garavani was always more than the sum of his career achievements. Valentino influenced fashion by defining “glitterati chic”. His luxurious, romantic designs, established Italian couture globally, championing his iconic crimson tone, and creating timeless, glamorous gowns as well as ‘ready to wear’ pieces for his elite clients. Throughout his career, Valentino proved that elegance and beauty transcend fleeting trends. He merged Italy’s artisanal heritage with modern times. An influencer long before the term was coined, Valentino made high fashion accessible yet aspirational, and built a global brand through strategic licensing and styles that have endured. Here are some of his numerous achievements:
Valentino’s Key Influences:
- Defining “Glitterati Chic”: Valentino mastered opulent, intricate designs using luxurious fabrics (silk, chiffon, lace) that epitomized old Hollywood glamour and red-carpet allure, making beauty his hallmark.
- Elevating Italian Couture: He was a pioneer, bringing Italian haute couture to Parisian runways and positioning Rome as a global fashion capital, challenging Parisian dominance.
- Iconic Color: He created and popularized “Valentino Red”, a signature deep red that became synonymous with passion and luxury, alongside his famous “V” logo.
- Dressing Icons: His client list included royalty, socialites, celebrities, politicians, and movie stars. Worn at major events, Valentino’s timeless styles received global attention, thereby making his designs symbols of power and achievement.
- Timeless Elegance: Valentino steadfastly refused to chase trends, focusing on enduring beauty and discipline, which allowed his aesthetic to remain relevant and respected.
- Business Acumen: He successfully built a global luxury brand, expanding into menswear, licensing, and public listings, long before fashion became heavily commercialized.
- Craftsmanship & Detail: Garavani’s work was characterized by meticulous detail, exquisite embroidery, and craftsmanship, merging tradition with modern silhouettes.
In essence, Valentino demonstrated that beauty, quality, and a strong, consistent vision could create a lasting legacy in the global fashion world, influencing generations of designers and consumers. As such, Valentino has no equal.
Entrust Your Valentino Couture to Luxury Fashion Dry Cleaners Cameo by Copeland Cleaners
This week, the world lost a titan of fashion design: Valentino Garavani. His styles are timeless, and there truly was never a decade when his work was considered passe or ‘out’. Now, and for posterity, his legacy continues in the garments his couture salon produced for over 65 years. You can maintain your cherished Valentino gown’s pristine condition by entrusting your garment to Cameo by Copeland Cleaners. As leading high fashion dry cleaners, Cameo’s professionals will provide our expertise and the meticulous care befitting a design triumph. We invite you to schedule pickup and delivery so your Valentino masterpiece will be ready to take center stage at your next event. Call today!