Valentino Garavani built his career around a clear point of view. He believed fashion should make women feel confident, glamorous, and in control. When he opened his fashion house in Rome in 1960, his goal was not to follow trends or shock people. He wanted to create beautiful clothes that felt intentional, and could last a lifetime. Valentino was never afraid of drama. He loved rich color, especially red. In a 2018 interview with Italian Esquire, he said, “Red is life, passion, love; it’s the cure for sadness.”
He embraced romance and glamour at a time when fashion was becoming more casual. What set him apart was balance. Even his most elaborate gowns were precise and thoughtful. Nothing felt random. Every detail had a purpose, and that dedication became part of his signature. Over the years, Valentino dressed women who carried influence in very different ways. Jackie Kennedy turned to him after leaving the White House, during a time when her appearance was closely watched. His clothes allowed her to remain elegant without feeling overdone. When Valentino designed her wedding dress for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis, it reflected an effortless beauty, strength and most importantly, confidence.
His work with Iman also showed how wide his idea of beauty could reach. At a time when the fashion industry offered few opportunities for women of color, Iman became one of his top muses. He dressed her with the same care and respect he gave all his clients, if not more. The result was striking—every image of Iman in Valentino is breathtaking and memorable. Valentino’s designs also appeared on actresses like Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn, Hollywood royalty admired for generations.
Decades later, celebrities continued to choose him for major public moments, from award ceremonies to international events, including Viola Davis, Naomi Campbell, and Gabrielle Union. They trusted him because his clothes never competed with the woman wearing them. As fashion moved toward faster cycles and louder statements, Valentino stayed loyal to his own taste. He believed elegance should last. That belief is why his work still feels relevant today. Valentino will always be beloved because he stayed consistent and clear about what he stood for.
Iman poses with designer Valentino Garavani in a backless evening gown from the Valentino fall 1984 couture collection.
By: Sahra Mohamed
