Valentino: A Tribute to Timelessness

Timelessness is one of those attributes that everyone wishes to attain but few are able to achieve. Over the past 45 years, Valentino has captured the attention of an international fashion audience with his glamorous gowns and elegant ensembles that have stood the test of changing trends and time. While wealthy fashion lovers around the world collect his vintage couture, Valentino’s new collections continue to draw the attention and applause of fashion editors, celebrities, and socialites. A designer favored by the famous women of history and Hollywood alike, Valentino has made a name for himself as a designer whose opulent fashions will forever go untouched by time.

Valentino’s experience in the fashion industry has been highlighted with success, and his contribution to both the Italian and international fashion industry has been recognized and rewarded throughout his career. However, much of his international acclaim can be attributed to the famous women throughout history for whom he has designed . A defining year during his career was 1968, when he not only debuted his trademark “V” label, but also created Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding gown for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis.

Jackie Onassis in Valentino as she weds Aristotle Onassis

A wedding dress that caught the world’s attention, it cemented Valentino’s reputation for creating glamorous gowns that were suited for the royal and rich. Although opulent, his designs never compromised elegance, and so he became a preferred designer among affluent brides. Since then, the favoritism shown towards Valentino’s gorgeous wedding gowns has persevered, and his dresses have been worn down the aisle by celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Courtney Cox, and Jennifer Lopez.

A wedding look from Valentino’s 2007 Spring/Summer Haute Couture was reminiscent of his famous 1968 “Collecione Bianca”.

For her 2001 marriage to Cris Judd, Jennifer Lopez wore an off white chantilly lace and silk Valentino couture gown.

Although initially famous for his white wedding dresses, it is the shade of crimson red that has become his signature look. A color that was inspired by a circus in Barcelona, Valentino has said that “after black and white it is the only color”.

A selection of Valentino's red gowns, which appeared in his 1987-2005 prêt-à-porter collections

In 2001, this statement rang true as Julia Roberts wore a classically chic black and white Valentino gown and won her first Oscar.  Since then, Valentino has been a regular on the red carpet, and his divine dresses are continually adored for their grace and their glamour.

Gwyneth Paltrow not only wore Valentino to the 2002 Venice Film Festival, she was accompanied by him as well.

In 2002, Reese Witherspoon looked effortlessly elegant at the Academy Awards in a black beaded cap sleeved lace Valentino gown.

Jennifer Aniston at the 2004 Golden Globe Awards wore a timeless black Valentino v-neck dress.

Anne Hathaway, a loyal client of Valentino, wore yet another of his designs to his 45th Anniversary Celebration in Rome last summer.  She’s emerged as the designer’s most modern muse.

Meryl Streep wore a custom-designed black Valentino gown in The Devil Wears Prada, a movie in which Valentino himself was featured.

Jennifer Garner in one of Valentino’s breathtaking crimson gowns.

Halle Berry wore a single strapped Valentino gown in 2005 to the 64th Golden Globe Awards.

Kate Winslet looked elegant and chic in a strapless black Valentino dress while attending a party in Paris.

Cameron Diaz looked gorgeous in white Valentino at both the Oscars and the Golden Globes.

Uma Thurman looked glamorous throughout the entire celebration of Valentino’s 45th anniversary. The event lasted 36 hours and Uma showed her support for the legendary designer by wearing an assortment of his beaded dresses both long and short.

It was during this past Paris Haute Couture in January that Valentino showed his last collection. An event that was attended by many famous faces, his collection brought the audience to their feet and set an impeccably high standard for Alessandra Facchinetti, who will be carrying the brand forward in the future.

Blake Lively, Eva Larue, Eva Herzigova, and Claudia Schiffer all strike a pose in classic black and white Valentino.

Valentino is recognized and revered world wide for his legendary contribution to the fashions of this century, and I am lucky to know first-hand of his impeccable style both in design and life. Famous for his extravagant lifestyle, it was with great pleasure that I attended a private party at Valentino’s house a few years ago. In the company of some of fashion’s most well-known faces, including Anna Wintour, Hamish Bowles, and the Duchess of York, it was nonetheless Valentino who captured everyone’s attention.

It is often that brilliant designers are credited with being ahead of their time, however I do not feel that is the case with Valentino. Although incredibly innovative, Valentino’s creations were less about forecasting the future and more about celebrating the successes and monumental moments that have defined time. From royal weddings to the red carpet, Valentino’s meticulous detailing and ostentatious use of color have made magical moments unforgettable. As Valentino’s legendary design career comes to an end, I am certain that like the couture he has created for decades, his presence in the world of fashion will remain timeless.

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