Art

It has been known that women as well as men in Italy take their fashion seriously fashion can kill, especially if it is high-heeled footwear (Lad, 2000-2009). But seeing the plethora of creative and professional Italian fashion designers, one can never be surprised to know that the Italians rule in the fashion segment (Lad, 2000-2009).  Italian women are known for their impeccable fashion sense and surely, one would now be thinking twice about packing the luggage before he or she would fly to Italy. Being well groomed and having a chic style of dressing are just the basics of Italian fashion. Italians are known to dress perfectly right down to their footwear. They are deemed to wear quality clothing with attitude, which shows that Italian fashion rules (Lad, 2000-2009).

The prestige of Italian fashion as well as its achievements at a global level has been attributed in part to the talent and ability of Italian designers (Italian Web). The rapid evolution of Italian fashion is largely due to the creativity of Italian stylists and fortunate initiatives tied to fashion, such as the foundation of the Italian fashion center in Florence. Valentino, together with Armani and Versace, to name a few of the most famous names that created and presented their unique and successful collections to the worlds fashion runaways, has kept the peoples attentionhigh on Italian Fashion (Italian Web). The fast growth of Italian fashion has made it possible for various Italian high-fashion shops to enter the international market with their own creations, coming into direct competition with Parisian fashion designers that previously dominated the sector (Italian Web).

According to historical accounts, Rome, Milan, and Florence are the Italian cities most closely tied to the world of Italian fashion (Italian Web). These cities host various important fashion events several times each year that bring international attention to the latest Italian creations (Italian Web).  Milan and Florence, for instance, both hosted the Pitti Imagine events, the main exhibitions dedicated to fashion in Italy (Italian Web). However, the Milan fashion shows are probably the most highly anticipated by Italian fashion lovers and fashion victims waiting for the latest fashion trends for the following seasons (Italian Web). During these events and exhibitions, Italian fashion always manages to distinguish itself from other designs, renewing from year to year its own prestige and that of the products made in Italy. (Italian Web).

Valentinos V trademark logo has been known all over the world (FragranceX.com) and has designed haute couture fashion, which made it the passion of beautiful people all over the world (Danyamanti, 2008). Women, especially stars such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Farah Diba, Elizabeth Taylor (Made in Italy online), Sophia Loren, Greta Garbo, Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and Halle Berry (Danyamanti, 2008) have worn his exquisite creations (Made in Italy online). Princess Margaret, Claudia Schiffer (FragranceX.com) Jacqueline Onassis, and Princess Diana have worn his designer clothes as well (Danyamanti, 2008). Rarely do red-carpet events pass without seeing one of Valentinos characteristically elaborate yet elegant designs (Danyamanti, 2008).  For over forty years, Valentino Garavani, known to all simply as Valentino, has been one of the most prominent names in fashion, creating some of the worlds most elegant evening wear and classic designs (FragranceX.com)

Valentino Garavani was born in Voghera, north of Milan on May 11, 1932. Valentinos childhood interests in fashion, painting and architecture, coupled with an immense talent for drawing, prompted him to study fashion design and French at the Accademia dell Arte in Milan. While attending high school, he showed a precocious artistic temperament and soon became interested in fashion (FragranceX.com, 2007).

It was Valentinos desire to design clothes that would celebrate the female form, accentuating a womans sensuality. He was once quoted to have said, I dont think any man in the world wants to go out with a woman dressed like a boy. (FragranceX.com, 2007)

Thus, Valentino took courses in fashion design and studied French to prepare himself to move to Paris. He was seventeen years old when he arrived in the world capital of fashion and couture (Made in Italy online).  His success led him to further studies at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, and it was there that Valentino flourished (FragranceX.com). He assisted Desses for five years before going to work for Guy Laroche, former chief illustrator at Desses, where he assisted Princess Irene Galitzine of Rome (FragranceX.com).

After a few years apprenticeship in the Fashion Houses of Jean Desses and Guy Laroche, Valentino returned to Rome at the beginning of the 60s to open his own atelier in Via Condotti (Made in Italy online).  He was an immediate success, impressing in particular Elizabeth Taylor, who was filming in Italy at the time and has remained a fan ever since (FragranceX.com). The launch of Fedrico Fellinis La Dolce Vita in 1960, the same year as Valentino launched his first store, accelerated his success as women everywhere wished to emulate the films style and its star Anita Ekberg (FragranceX.com).

Emerging as one of the leading couturiers of the sixties, despite the fact that his premises were in Rome, not Paris, Valentinos unique designs were widely admired (FragranceX.com).  He drew particular praise for his full-length skirts, and flew in the face of the new wave of minis. He also became known for his signature, Valentino red, and his love for the simple contrast of black and white (FragranceX.com).  His success led to the opening of a boutique in Paris and the launch of the now-famous V label.

Valentinos international debut then took place in 1962 in Florence, the Italian fashion capital of the time. His first show at the Pitti Palace was welcomed as a true revelation, and the young couturier was overwhelmed with orders from foreign buyers and enthusiastic comments of the press. In 1967, Valentinos White Collection, where the winning V first appeared, turned him into an unsurpassed king of fashion. He also won the coveted Neiman Marcus Prize (FragranceX.com).  The lace mini-dress he designed for Jacqueline Kennedys marriage to Aristotle Onassis made the covers of magazines around the world (Made in Italy online).  At the end of the 1960s, Valentino met Giancarlo Giammetti, an architecture student who abandoned the university, and soon, they became business partners. Giammettis entrepreneurial genius will prove fundamental to the worldwide expansion and success of the House (Made in Italy online).

In 1970, he launched his first ready-to-wear lines for men and women, with boutiques following in Rome and New York (FragranceX.com).  Valentino continued to design not just dresses but also ties, accessories, shirts, and jeans. His brand became further renowned with his perfume and interior decor line by then, Valentino had truly become fashions It man (Danyamanti, 2008). Oliver, the name of his beloved dog, was the name he gave to his younger line (Made in Italy online).  In the years to come, Valentino extended the range of products bearing his signature by turning his ideas and designs to various sectors of attire (neckties, shirts, accessories, jeans) and interior decoration (textiles, tiles, furniture, wallpaper) (Made in Italy online).
In 1978, he launched his own perfume during a gala in Paris, where guest star Mikhail Baryshnikov danced
Tchaikowskis La Dame de Pique at the Theatre des Champs Elysees (Made in Italy online).  Accolades and awards continued to come in for Valentino including, the highest decoration possible in Italy, the Calvaliere di Gran Croce, presented by the President Cossiga in 1986. (FragranceX.com).  Moreover, 1989 was the year that marked the opening of the Academia Valentino, a cultural space located near his atelier in Rome, for the presentation of art exhibitions. A year later, Valentino and his partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, created the organization called L.I.F.E., which aims to support AIDS-related patients. It was with the support and help from another famous friend, Elizabeth Taylor, that this organization was created (Danyamanti, 2008). To celebrate thirty years in fashion in 1991, Valentino threw a three-day party, reported to cost 5 million (FragranceX.com).  His success has also provided him with a lifestyle to match that of even his richest customers. Immaculately stylish, Valentino has become known for his perfectly coiffed hair, permanently tanned skin, and a wardrobe of Ralph Lauren, Savile Row and, of course, his own label. In fact, he is the perfect personification of his own label (FragranceX.com).  Valentinos designs through the years have remained romantiche has continued to make romantic, lovely, and fashionable designs that speak to women of all ages. Valentino believes that details should be minimal and that the cut of the dress is the most important. His dresses were flawlessly designed and have remained so for more than forty years (Danyamanti, 2008).

Valentino has since broadened his empire throughout the world, including the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Valentinos expansion continues with a chain of boutiques in the United States and Japan (FragranceX.com).  Over the years, the perfectly-groomed designer has dressed the most privileged women of the day.2

In 2002, his Hollywood credentials were re-affirmed when Julia Roberts wore an elegant black-and-white vintage Valentino dress to the Oscars. Valentino has been honored by the governments of Italy, where he was awarded the Cavaliere di Gran Croce and France, which decorated him as a Chevalier de la Legion dHonneur (2005) (Danyamanti, 2008). In the same year, Valentino was awarded the Superstar award at the Fashion Group International Night of the Stars, by one of his favorite red carpet clients Meryl Streep.
In 2006, Valentino did a small cameo role as himself in the hit movie The Devil Wears Prada, for which he also designed some of the costumes (Danyamanti, 2008). The following year, he celebrated 45 years in the business and announced his retirement for 2008. His last haute couture presentation was held in Paris at the Muse Rodin in January 2008. During this event, he announced that he will then be followed by designer Alessandra Facchinetti, who was the former designer at the House of Gucci. Valentino remains a firm believer of a celebrity always dressing to the role of a celebrity, regardless of the day (Danyamanti, 2008).

The only label to have designed wedding dresses for both Jackie O. and J. Lo, Valentino is synonymous with opulence, extravagance, and drama (New York fashion). Even today, the brand is still manna among European royalty, American socialites, and celebrities craving a touch of class. While his new creations get a great deal of attentionand requests, especially around red-carpet timehis vintage dresses continued to commanding attention (New York fashion).

For almost half a century, Valentino dominated the Italian haute couture, dressing the worlds wealthiest and most glamorous women (Tynauer and Chitolina). Although he was not an innovator, Valentino has taken fashion to new heights by designing glorious, opulent, and timeless clothing for the most glamorous women of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. His contribution to the world of fashion would continue to be acclaimed in the years to come (Danyamanti, 2008). Despite his retirement in 2008, little has changed, but the brand continues to thrive and prosper and is worn by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez. Valentino has always designed magnificent gowns, never wavering from his signature style despite fads like grunge, deconstruction, and minimalism (Tynauer and Chitolina).

Valentinos devotees flock to him for couture, ready-to-wear, and a vast array of products and accessories including menswear, leather goods, eye wear, furs, and fragrances (Zargani and Kaiser, 2007). He reaches out to the younger market through his Oliver line of clothing, which is casual but still marked with distinctively refined Valentino sensibility. He produced a special collection of evening wear called Valentino Night, in which the luxury of his couture designs is adapted for a wider audience. All of his designs, throughout all of his collections, express a singularly opulent view of the world.8

Valentinos sensibility embraces both timelessness and originality, filtered through a dedication to a luxurious way of life and the commitment to express that lifestyle in his collections. For many, Valentino represents not just a style of dressing, but rather a style of living (Kaiser, 2006).  The long fame attained by Valentino brand has been very impressive. However, as the trends, styles and fashions continuously develop, the list of fashion designers is continuously adding up names. Even at the time of Valentinos fame, other fashion trends have risen as well. If we are to look back, Italian designs may have focused their taste on the beauty of Valentino until they have learned to appreciate others fashion designs.

Today, Valentino is just introduced as one of the Italian fashion designs that created history innovatively. But since Italian fashion models are continuously gaining a strong foothold in the fashion industry as well, it only goes to show how Italy has been the home of such creative designers and also successful fashion weeks, which give a platform for creative talent (Lad, 2000-2009).

One example of todays most known designs is Prada. Miuccia Prada may not have been technically qualified as an Italian fashion designer, but she took over the Prada label and helped it scale new heights. It was Mario Prada who began this most sought after label in 1913 (Lad, 2000-2009), which actually started earlier than Valentino. With a modest beginning, Mario Prada began his career with designing and marketing of his line of handbags, shoes, and suitcases through various boutiques (Lad, 2000-2009).  The start of Prada design was different from Valentino, since Valentino started right away in designing clothes. But the turning point for the Prada label was placed under the rule of Miuccia Prada. Her unmistakable sense of fashion helped the Prada label soar to new heights especially with the classic Prada handbag that was introduced in 1985. With her unique taste in unusual fabrics, it was no surprise to see her collection of womens wear to achieve instant success. The Prada label is known for its graceful and elegant look and this is known to be solely because of Miuccias meticulous ways. The 1990s saw Prada gain a strong foothold in the world of fashion, and this was mainly due to the prt-a-porter collection. The Miu Miu, which was launched in 1992, is meant for the younger segment of Pradas loyal consumers. With Miuccias talent and leadership skills, one can see various exclusive boutiques of this brand, around the world. Prada, with its innovative designs and global appeal, rates as one of the leading brands all over. Today, Prada is renowned all over the world most especially for the present stars.

Another design that actually made an initial fashion design is Armani. One of the leading Italian fashion designers of all times, Giorgio Armani first introduced his label in 1974 to 1975 (Lad, 2000-2009).  Thus, he started years after the fame of Valentino. This Italian designer has all the finesse and class that is reflected in his designs as well. Sophisticated clothing combined with a fashionable appeal, Armanis designs gained a strong foothold when he launched his own design house in Milan in 1975 (Lad, 2000-2009).  The Armani label now includes a variety of products apart from clothes such as perfume, shoes, sunglasses, and even lingerie. Giorgio Armani is known for his elegant, well structured, and relaxed clothing. His haute couture found its way to Hollywood as well when Richard Gere sported Armani creations in the American Gigolo in 1980 (Lad, 2000-2009).  Armani was also the first to broadcast his fashion show on the Internet. Armani has also targeted the youngsters launching the Emporio, which is a line of stores first established in Italy (Lad, 2000-2009).  This Maestro, with his creative and innovative designs, has a fan following in Hollywood as well, with the likes of Jodie Foster and Jack Nicholson (Lad, 2000-2009).

Gucci has also been one of the earliest designs that are still revered until today.  Guccio Gucci was initially known for his leather craftsmanship and accessories (Lad, 2000-2009).  Gucci saw his first leather goods company in 1921. He tasted success in the year 1930 when people from all over clamored for his fine collection of bags, shoes, belts, gloves, and more (Lad, 2000-2009).  The Bamboo bag was the first and one of the many products that caused quite a sensation. Gucci achieved stupendous success when he opened a chain of stores in Milan and New York. With the sad demise of Guccio Gucci, his sons soon took over his flourishing business (Lad, 2000-2009).  The 1960s saw the change in the Gucci logo, which incorporated the interlocked letter G (Double G). Gucci was named the European Company of the Year in 1998. Today, some the classic designs are being revamped and still have a very strong and loyal fan following (Lad, 2000-2009).  

Dolce and Gabbana, on the other hand, has been one of the hottest Italian fashion designers as well. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana both worked as assistant designers till they decided to set up their own design studio in 1982 (Lad, 2000-2009).  Valentino at this time was at the peak of its success and fame. However, it was their passion and unique approach to their designs that finally saw the duo getting a break in 1985 when they were shortlisted in the top three to showcase their collections for a show in Milan (Lad, 2000-2009).  Dolce and Gabbana used varied colors and targeted women from different backgrounds, which got them a wider acceptance for their label. Owing to their astounding success, they finally had to look for a bigger outlet in 1987 (Lad, 2000-2009).  This duo saw major success from the year 1988 with new fashion launches and agreements that catapulted their designs on the global market. Their boutiques in Seoul, Hong Kong, Taipei, etc. gave them international success and established their strong hold on the fashion scenario all over the world (Lad, 2000-2009).

Cavalli is also one of the known designers in the world. Surrounded by art and fashion since his childhood days, Roberto Cavalli is known for his wild and flirtatious designs with experimentation in materials. Cavalli has always been experimental as far as his sense of fashion is concerned, and he is a gifted artist as well. This multi-talented Italian fashion designer is also renowned for his finely crafted designs in leather. Today, this brand houses the finest in men and womens wear, kids wear, accessories, etc. His sense of design is apparent in his works of art as well. His affinity towards leather gave birth to the ingenious process printing onto lightweight leather. He even created a new benchmark in the world of fashion with this combination and his patchwork creations. It was also mentioned that any list of Italian fashion designers would not be complete without the mention of Fendi.10 The House of Fendi was founded by Adele Casagrande and was later named after his wife, Edoardo Fendi.10 As time passed, Fendi was looked after Adeles daughters who soon ensured that the brand tasted success. Fendi is known for it fur accessories and ready to wear garments and this fashion empire rewrote all the rules of fashion with its varied and fashionable designs. The Fendi sisters saw tremendous success with their fashion shows as well. This soon established them as a leader in haute couture (Lad, 2009).

Today, Channel seems to be one of the big deal designs in the fashion industry. Due to the continuous development, creativity and artistry of fashion designers today, thousands of styles have been arising and the generation keeps on following the trends.

Most of the time, older people mention that fashion styles just keeps on circulating and comes back in time. That is why clothes, bags, shoes, and other garments that have been used in the past years can still be used when the style comes back. However, when the trends come back, the designs and styles also evolve according to the latest aura that may lift ones personality through fashion. This suggests that as long as people wear clothes, shoes, uses bags, accessories, and other garments, styles and fashion will keep on circulating all over the world. As long as creative designers keep on playing various designs in their minds, then people can expect more of different trends that will arise in the future.