Fashion Blog Series: Valentino

Our third blog in the Fashion series is about the work of Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani, better known by just his first name, Valentino. Valentino’s skill lies in his control over beautiful fabrics, youthful cuts and his bold use of color. This third entry from Jackie Mullins highlights some of his elegant pieces from our collection.

Italian born designer Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani took courses at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris before winning a competition sponsored by the International Wool Secretariat – a competition that would be the start of not only Valentino’s career, but also the start for fellow designers Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent.  During his career Valentino dressed many notable women including Jackie Kennedy, Diana Vreeland, Gloria Guinness and the Duchess of Windsor.

Valentino introduced his young and modern White Collection in 1968, which was based on the wedding dress he designed for Jackie Kennedy for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis.  This cotton evening dress from 1976 is reminiscent of that youthful aesthetic of Valentino’s designs featuring eyelet and pin tucks with a ruffled skirt.

Later during the 1980s as women focused on breaking through the glass ceiling in the workplace, Valentino provided these women with strong, bold colors and patterns to command attention in the workplace such as this blue and white houndstooth check suit from 1988 as well as this Scottish inspired ensemble featuring a fitted olive velvet fitted jacket, quilted vest and pleated plaid skirt.

According to Vogue, Valentino’s skill lies in his control over beautiful fabrics, youthful cuts and his bold use of color.

Jackie Mullins
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