“Sheik of Chic”-Valentino Retires
After 45 years designer Valentino at the age of 75 retires. Valentino designs have been worn by the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Nancy Reagan. Valentino loved the 70’s style and somewhat despised the 80’s trends. However despite the changing styles Valentino adhered to his belief to “keep a woman looking her best”. A movie documentary titled Valentino: The Last Emperor is set to be released this year about the fashion icons life.
Valentino will definitely be missed. Already, after viewing the designs of the Valentino line under its new designer, what I noticed was missing was the distinct Valentino mark of elegance. Not that the new designer’s work was not pleasing, on the contrary there were pieces that were innovative and beautiful, but overall, the signature elegance and refinement are gone. Valentino’s designs are easily recognizable. To me, he was the master of refinement, never too much, or too little….just perfection! The world of fashion, while reflecting todays standards and trends with deconstructed pieces and clothes that can easily be modified, providing several looks in one, soon to be extinct are the truly breath taking and elegant designs that have always graced the runways. The emperor’s of fashion are slowly leaving – Yves St. Laurent, Gianfranco Ferre, Givenchy and now Valentino. While we still have Oscar De La Renta, Ralph Lauren and other fashion icons, fashion is definitely taking a new direction.
If you’re interested in Valentino the designer, don’t miss “Valentino The Last Emperor”! It’s an independent documentary directed by Vanity Fair’s Matt Tyrnauer, and it covers just the period you mention in your post, the end of Valentino’s run at the head of his own atelier. It gets behind the scenes in the fashion house, in Valentino’s life, in his gorgeous houses around the world… Go to http://www.valentinomovie.com and see where it’s playing near you! Check it out!!!!