Imagine being so influential that you name the shade of a color. Imagine being nicknamed as “The Last Emperor” by people. Have you guessed who I’m talking about? Yes, it’s him, I’m talking about Valentino.
On May 11th Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani turned 90 years old. Where celebrate, if not in Rome? Right there, where he opened his first maison in 1962, more precisely in Via Condotti.
“If in doubt, wear red”
That’s what Valentino said. It’s no coincidence that my nails have been red for five years now. And I think they will be for the next 5. This color is passion, beauty, sensuality and femininity. In this case, it’s the renowned Red Valentino: 100% magenta, 100% yellow and 10% black.
But how was born this passion for red, which today is a must for the brand and for many of us? Everything started in Paris, during his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts and at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. It is said that Valentino, during his school career in Paris, was also very passionate about the Parisienne social life, especially at the Barcelona Opera. Right there, he was impressed by the guests all dressed in red.
There would be endless moments, emotions, goals to narrate about Valentino, but what I want to remember is his last Haute Couture show, on January 23rd in 2008. On this occasion, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli became the Creative co-directors of all the Maison’s lines.
The fashion show started and the models started walking down the catwalk: 74 gorgeous looks in shades of white, yellow, light blue, gold and silver. But isn’t there a colour missing? At the end of the show, the lights went down on stage and the catwalk was full by a succession of models who all wore the same outfit: a long red Valentino dress (of course!) with an asymmetric neckline on the front and opened on the back. Finally, Valentino closes the show greeting and sending flying kisses. In this way he gave his farewell to the maison! Unforgivable!
