Poll Winner: Valentino

If you look to the top right hand side of my blog, you'll see that my "Who is your favorite designer?" poll has ended and the clear winner was Valentino. I think Valentino is one of the greatest fashion designers of all time. So here is my little mini-biography about the famous and fashionable icon.

Valentino Garavani was born in Italy in 1932. Valentino first became interested in fashion while in primary school. At age 17, he moved to Paris to pursue his interest in fashion. After years of non-stop sketching and apprentice jobs at Jean Desses, he decided to move back to Rome.

When back in his home country, Valentino started up his first studio. His first show came, and Valentino became known for his red dresses. The bright hue was then on known as "Valentino Red."

In July of 1960, Valentino met his future collaborative business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. The two were the dynamic duo, making Valentino's designs stronger than ever.

Valentino's international debut took place in 1962 in Florence, the Italian fashion capital of the time. The young designer was smothered by orders from foreign buyers and enthusiastic comments from the press.

Throughout the decades to come, Valentino continued working on his designs and finding his place in the fashion world. In 1989, the opening of Accademia Valentino took place. It was a cultural space located in Rome for the presentation of art exhibitions. The next year, Valentino and Giammetti created L.I.F.E., an association supporting AIDS-related patients, which benefits from the activities of the Accademia Valentino.

In July of 2006 President Chirac of France awarded Valentino the final jewel in the crown of his achievements, also known as Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur. "I am very honored," Valentino quoted. He deserved the award for the hard work and dedication he put into his career.

On September 4, 2007 Valentino announced his retirement from the world stage after his last Haute-Couture show in Paris. He delivered his last women's Ready-to-Wear show in Paris in October to thundering applause.

Valentino was and always will be a fashion icon. His services to fashion have been incredible and his style is both unique and chic. Here are some great Valentino pictures and designs:

Valentino himself

Some of Valentino's sketches

A gorgeous wedding gown by Valentino

"Valentino Red" dresses

A menswear look

Haute Couture 2007

Both above are Spring/Summer Couture 2008. Valentino's last collection.

I hope you enjoyed learning about Valentino. Another poll should be up soon. Please vote if you'd like to see another post like this one.

Yours fashionably,

Eve