VALENTINO

Valentino Garavani was born in Italy in 1932. He always had an eye for fashion which he studied at Accademia dell Arte in Milan. He received an award for his designs by International Wool Secretariat while still a student. This Award was later given to Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent.
Valentino finished school and started off his career working as an apprentice to Jean Desses and then Guy Laroche before beginning his own line in Rome in 1960. He presented his first runway show in 1962, and because of its huge success, this began the Valentino Empire.
Valentino became well known for his long, luxurious gowns, which replaced the mini skirts at this time. His first collection also introduced his famous crimson shade in which he created himself. 
First Collection
 

“I don’t think any man in the world wants to go out with a women dressed as a boy.”  (Valentino, Vogue UK 2010)

Valentino believed that women should be classy and elegant and so he introduced his long, flowing gowns creating a classic, feminine, and elegant brand image that has said to be timeless. Before his retirement, Valentino’s designs rarely strayed from the classic look the world loved.
Valentino retired in 2008, leaving his brand to former Gucci Designer, Alessandra Facchinetti until spring 2009. The company is now in the hands of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli.