New Delhi: Valentino Garavani was a legend. And, his couture will be remembered for celebrating women. But little do people know that the Italian fashion designer shared a deep fondness for Indian heritage.
In 2002, Valentino unveiled an haute couture collection inspired by India’s rich cultural heritage. The collection showcased intricate embroidery, jewel-toned palettes, layered textures, and refined silhouettes. And, it celebrated traditional Indian textiles and craftsmanship.
But it wasn’t just about one-off collections. India, the designer once noted, was a constant source of his inspiration.
“India’s heritage is one of the most fascinating and inspirational of all. My 2002 haute couture collection was entirely inspired by India. But there have always been Indian themes running through all my collections. It’s definitely a reference for my idea of beauty and grace,” Valentino told The Times of India in 2009.
One of his brand’s most memorable cross-cultural fashion moments came in 2018, when Maison Valentino created its first, and only, Indian lehenga, designed exclusively for Isha Ambani. The custom piece debuted at Ambani’s post-wedding reception in Mumbai. It was a historic first for the Italian fashion house in the realm of Indian bridalwear.
Over the years, Valentino’s designs have also been worn by Bollywood stars, including Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Sonam Kapoor.
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‘I know what women want’
Valentino, who founded his fashion house in 1959, was one of the prominent architects of late 20th-century glamour. For more than five decades, he dressed royalty, celebrities, and high-society women.
He was celebrated for his signature poppy-red hue and an unparalleled command of feminine artistry, which expressed itself through bows, ruffles, lace, and elaborate embroidery.
His inner circle, whom he fondly called ‘Val’s Gals,’ had style icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Jackie Kennedy, Jennifer Lopez, and Julia Roberts, among others.
In 2009, Matt Tyrnauer’s documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor captured his life and legacy in the years leading up to his retirement.
In the film, Valentino summed up his life and brand’s philosophy in just one line.
He said, “I know what women want—they want to be beautiful.”
(Edited by Ratan Priya)