A Designer Who Believed in Permanence

The fashion industry has always been fast-paced, driven by quick trends and constant changes. Valentino Garavani, however, created something very different; something that lasted – permanence. With Valentino’s death at 93 years old, fashion has lost one of its last, true custodians; not just of the fabulousness and creativity of our world, but also of restraint, discipline and romance.

Valentino was not a designer who chased after “being relevant”; he was a designer who created what it meant to be relevant. At a time when fashion trends have been increasingly driven by immediate shock value and immediate gratification, Valentino’s designs were emotional, but controlled; luxurious, but timeless. His designs didn’t force you to wear them; they earned your love and admiration through time.

From Voghera to Paris: The Making of a Couturier

Valentino was born in 1932 in Voghera, a small Italian town. He did not come from a fashion dynasty; rather, his education was intense and competitive. He studied under strict academic guidelines in Paris to become a haute couture designer, and during that training, he became versed in tailoring, proportion, craft, and how to combine all those elements to create beautiful garments. After studying in Paris, Valentino returned to Italy with a very specific perspective and aesthetic that was firmly rooted in European culture, one that thoughtfully combined the structure of Paris with the sensuality of Italy.

By the 1960s, Valentino Garavani was no longer just a designer; he had become a symbol of refined glamour. His clothes were designed to last beyond seasons and headlines, favouring clean lines, impeccable construction and emotional resonance over trends.

The Power of Valentino Red

One of the most recognisable pieces of Valentino’s legacy is the colour “Valentino Red”. Instead of being just a colour, it became the trademark of Valentino’s vision. The red was bold but graceful, sexy but demure. From floor-length evening gowns to sharply cut tailored suits, Valentino’s red signifies that power does not need to be exaggerated or showy. Women who wear Valentino’s designs do not need to say anything about themselves; their presence speaks for them.

Dressing History’s Most Iconic Women

Many of the great images in fashion history can be directly attributed to Valentino’s work. The wedding dress worn by Jackie Kennedy when she married John F. Kennedy is perhaps the most popular wedding gown in fashion history. It has been described as understated, elegant and emotionally charged. Elizabeth Taylor was also a fan of Valentino, frequently asking him to design clothing for her when she needed to make dramatic yet dignified appearances. More recently, stars such as Anne Hathaway, Julia Roberts and Zendaya have worn Valentino at pivotal career moments, proving Valentino’s enduring influence across multiple generations.

A House Built on Discipline, Not Noise

However, Valentino’s reach extended beyond just the red carpet. He acknowledged something that many other designers have not yet come to know: that longevity in the fashion industry is achieved through a combination of both artistic integrity and strategic discipline.

Valentino was the first designer to create a house that was as much about consistency as it was about luxury branding. He believed that by placing such a strong emphasis on the need for perfection, repetition, and respect for the craftsmanship of his product, his brand could remain distinct from all other designer brands throughout time, even when they were being owned or run by entirely different people.

Who Inherits Valentino’s Legacy

When Valentino stepped away from active designing in 2008, it was not a dramatic exit but a carefully orchestrated transition. He recognised that a legacy is not built by holding on forever, but by ensuring continuity without dilution. Today, the Valentino brand continues under the creative leadership of Alessandro Michele, whose appointment signals a new chapter rooted in reinvention while still respecting the house’s DNA of elegance and emotion. While the aesthetic language may evolve with time, the foundation Valentino laid, discipline, romance, and craftsmanship, remains the true inheritance he leaves behind.

Lessons That Outlive the Designer

From his life experiences, Valentino provides all entrepreneurs and creative professionals with lasting lessons. Build a brand that takes time; be protective of your values; allow your work to be heard more than your marketing; and, above all, create your designs with the future in mind and not simply the present.

Being Remembered, Not Just Seen

Valentino Garavani leaves behind more than a fashion empire. In an era obsessed with being seen everywhere, Valentino taught the world the value of being remembered.