Ciao, Valentino

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a lesser known film with my ever respectful better half that would inspire even the least fashion conscious viewers; Valentino The Last Emperor the documentation of fashion giant Valentino’s swan song on the runway. When Valentino Garavani closed the doors on his fashion house (read: empire) an empty throne was left vacant atop couture mountain. This retirement is indeed the end of an era. The film left little doubt that he was the king of fashion, and his company a blueprint for success in any industry. This tenure at the top is due to Valentino’s managing partner and lover, Giancarlo Giametti, a dashing Italian businessman and fashion icon himself. Oozing the very essence of Italian “sprezzatura,” Giancarlo stole the show with his undying devotion to Valentino. For more than 45 years, Valentino has designed clothing for the most glamorous women of the past half century, most famously the elegant Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Throughout the film, the viewer becomes intensely intrigued by the amount of time that Valentino paid to every detail, on every strip of fabric, on every piece of clothing that left his doors. The amount of work that goes into each piece proves to the skeptics that high fashion is undoubtedly a work of art.

Not only does this film highlight the amazing accomplishments of Valentino in the world of fashion, but it also portrays an epic love story. Without the need to discuss their relationship, this film is able to depict the steadfast and loving relationship of Valentino with his business partner and companion of more than 50 years, the above mentioned Giancarlo Giammetti. The amount of pride that Giammetti exudes while discussing the amazing talent of his lover shows the passion behind their relationship, inevitably the catalyst behind remaining together for decades. Take note, gentlemen.

Anyone who is the least bit interested in fashion would love this film. In the film, Valentino states, “I love beauty. It is not my fault.” Indeed he does love beauty, and this love has gifted us with some of the most amazing works of art that the fashion industry has ever seen. Do yourself a favor and soak this one in with a bottle of red, doting fiance not required. (Sorry Hun)