Valentino SpA started in a small fashion house on Via Condotti in Rome, Italy in 1965. The father of the company, Valentino Garavani, together with his business partner Giancarlo Giammetti managed to turn it into the fashion empire, known in the whole world. However, we must first and foremost estimate Mr. Giammetti’s input into this success: while the designer, Valentino Garavani was creating his immortal designs with the help of the most luxurious fabrics and the most expensive accessories, the company was steadily approaching the brink of bankruptcy, and only due to Giammetti’s talents Valentino is now working. They say, Garavani and Giammetti were more than friends, and their love continued through their whole lives– which is easy to believe in, for only passionate love could have inspired Valentino’s talent and Giammetti’s devotion to the company..
In 1962 in Florence Valentino had his first show – and his first success as well. irst of all, this show makes the designer popular, thus attracting all Italian fashion-lovers to his name. The breakthrough during this show attracted a lot of celebrity fashion-lovers to Valentino, and Begum Aga Khan, Farah Diba, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Marella Agnelli and Princess Margaret became his customers. Being sure of his own popularity and stable customership, Valentino moves to Rome. The famous V logo was created in 1966, probably, indicating Victory – and Valentino’s victory over the international fashion market was officially confirmed in 1967, when the designer was awarded with Neiman Marcus Award, the highest prize in the world of fashion. In 1970s Valentino lives in New York, trying to conquer American markets as well.
In 1998 the company was sold at a price of $300 million to an Italian corporation called HdP, and than in 2002 – to Marzotto Apparel, a famous Italian fabric-maker. Disregarding these economical changes, the company still continues its creative work – and this is, probably, the best result of such a long history.
