The name Valentino has long been synonymous with luxury, elegance, and impeccable taste. The Italian designer, whose career began in Paris and blossomed in Rome, managed to turn his brand into a symbol of global fashion. His signature red shade, known as rosso Valentino, has become an integral part of runway history and glamorous parties. But it was not just the color that made him recognizable: airy ruffles, vibrant pinks, and sophisticated silhouettes remain etched in the memory of haute couture enthusiasts.
Valentino didn’t just create dresses — he defined an entire era, where every celebrity dreamed of appearing in one of his creations. His designs were worn by royalty, Hollywood divas, and style icons. Even years after the designer’s retirement, his legacy continues to inspire and captivate.
Legendary Moments
In 1998, Claudia Schiffer closed the Haute Couture show in Paris wearing a scarlet gown that became the brand’s symbol. That image is still considered the epitome of femininity and strength. In 1991, Sophia Loren, receiving an honorary Oscar, chose a black lace Valentino dress with a simple chiffon scarf — a timeless combination of simplicity and luxury.
Julia Roberts lit up the red carpet at the 2001 Academy Awards in a black and white archival Valentino gown, outshining everyone. Jacqueline Kennedy also entrusted the designer with creating her wedding dress for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis in 1968 — one of the most talked-about moments in fashion history.
Royal weddings and star-studded friendships
In 1995, Marie-Chantal, the future Queen of Greece, chose a Valentino gown for her wedding that echoed Grace Kelly’s legendary attire. Elizabeth Taylor, the designer’s muse and close friend, frequently appeared in his creations at major events. At the 1961 Rome premiere of ‘Spartacus,’ the actress stunned in a feathered gown that has since become one of the most recognizable dresses in film history.
Voluminous ruffled dresses and vibrant shades of pink occupy a special place in the Valentino collection. Queen Sofia has often selected such outfits for official occasions, and in 2023, she wore one again at the wedding of Prince Hussein of Jordan, nearly two decades after her first appearance in the dress.
Modern style icons
Penélope Cruz has made numerous public appearances in stunning Valentino dresses, but her look at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival stands out —the floral motifs and dramatic ruffles emphasized the actress’s Spanish flair. That same year, Nati Abascal honored her friendship with the designer at his party by choosing a bright pink skirt and a top with elaborate embroidery.
Princess Diana, the ultimate style icon of the 1990s, attended Paul McCartney’s concert in 1993 wearing a bardot velvet bustier dress with a short lace skirt — an image that instantly captivated the world. In 2022, Zendaya chose a black Valentino gown for the Emmy Awards as a tribute to the brand’s classic silhouettes, then turned heads at the after-party in a scarlet ensemble, reimagining the label’s iconic shade for a new generation.
Red as a symbol
Valentino red has become a true legend, worn by the most famous women in the world. At the 1999 Paris show, two supermodels—Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bündchen—set the runway ablaze in scarlet dresses, highlighting the power and passion embedded in the brand’s DNA.
Each of these fourteen looks is not just a dress but a piece of history, where fashion becomes art and the designer is a true artist. In an era when trends change at lightning speed, the heritage of Valentino remains a constant benchmark for those who value style and individuality.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that Valentino Garavani is one of the most influential couturiers of the twentieth century, who founded his fashion house in Rome in 1960. His signature shade of red and distinctive silhouettes made the brand recognizable worldwide. Valentino’s fans include royalty, Hollywood stars, and leading fashion critics. Even after the designer’s retirement, his name continues to inspire new generations of designers and haute couture enthusiasts.
