Valentino

As of early 2024, Alessandro Michele, formerly of Gucci, was appointed as the new creative director of Valentino. He succeeded Pierpaolo Piccioli, who led the house to massive critical acclaim for nearly a decade prior. Michele's debut collection for the Italian fashion house is slated for 2025.

Valentino Red is a vibrant, specific shade of red that has been a hallmark of the fashion house since its founding in 1960 by Valentino Garavani. Valentino discovered the exact hue, a mix of carmine, purple, and a hint of yellow, during his time at the opera. It is prominently featured in their haute couture and ready-to-wear collections every season.

Valentino Garavani's first major solo fashion show was held in Florence, Italy, in 1962 at the Palazzo Pitti. His collection was an overwhelming success, establishing him as a master of elegant, romantic design among European royalty and Hollywood elite. Florence was the epicenter of Italian fashion at the time.

Yes, Valentino is one of the few fashion houses in the world that still holds the official Haute Couture designation from the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. They present elaborate, hand-crafted collections twice a year in Paris, often featuring thousands of hours of beadwork and embroidery. These shows regularly feature massive, highly sought-after fashion moments.