The world of haute couture was forever changed after the departure of Valentino Garavani. His name became synonymous with elegance, and the dresses he created are true works of art that often took center stage on the red carpet. The death of the legendary couturier in Rome at the age of 93 sparked a wave of memories celebrating his contribution to the industry and the iconic gowns that defined an era.
Looking back at the most iconic looks, it’s impossible not to note how Valentino dresses became part of not only fashion history but also cinema and even politics. They were worn by women whose names are forever etched in world culture, from Jackie Kennedy to Julia Roberts. Every appearance in a Valentino gown became an event talked about for years.
Icons and Their Choices
One of the most talked-about outfits is the black velvet masterpiece that for many years was mistakenly attributed to Valentino but was actually created for Anita Ekberg in the film ‘La Dolce Vita.’ Despite the confusion over authorship, this look became the starting point for a whole wave of inspiration, and the style itself became the hallmark of an era.
Valentino’s true triumph came when legends like Elizabeth Taylor chose his creations. At the Rome premiere of ‘Spartacus,’ the actress appeared in a dress by the Italian maestro, accenting it with Bulgari diamonds. From that moment, she became a regular client, and for her final wedding in 1991, she chose a yellow lace dress personally gifted by the designer.
Impact on High Society
In 1962, the Bianca collection presented in Florence became a sensation. Interestingly, it was the beige shades—not the iconic red—that propelled Valentino to a new level. After this show, aristocrats, actresses, and first ladies, including Jacqueline Kennedy, started turning to him. In 1964, after the tragic death of her husband, she ordered six dresses from Valentino, one of which was the wedding dress for her ceremony with Aristotle Onassis.
A special place in history belongs to the asymmetrical mint gown with embroidery that Jacqueline Kennedy wore during her visit to Cambodia. This look has been repeatedly emulated by other celebrities as a tribute to the designer’s style and talent.
Reinterpreting the classics
One-shoulder cape dresses became Valentino’s signature. In 2001, Maria-Chantal Miller appeared in one at the Met Gala, accompanied by the designer himself. Her elegance was compared to Jacqueline Kennedy’s, while Jennifer Lopez’s attempt to replicate the style at the 2003 Oscars sparked debate—not everyone liked how the dress looked on the Latin American diva.
In 1993, Princess Diana surprised the public by choosing a short burgundy Valentino dress for her post-divorce appearance. This look became a symbol of her new life and independence, and the dress itself is now among the most talked-about in fashion chronicles.
Hollywood and the red carpet
Valentino’s impact on Hollywood fashion cannot be overstated. Jessica Lange received an Oscar in 1983 wearing a turquoise sequin gown, while Sophia Loren shone in a black lace ensemble at the honorary award ceremony in 1991. Sharon Stone chose a delicate cream dress for the closing of the Cannes Festival in 1995, and Gwyneth Paltrow appeared at the Emmys in a vintage white outfit with organza sleeves.
In 2001, Julia Roberts chose a black-and-white Valentino dress to accept her Oscar for ‘Erin Brockovich.’ This look is still considered one of the most successful in red carpet history and regularly appears in rankings of the greatest outfits of all time.
Modern muses and new legends
In recent years, Valentino gowns have continued to make appearances at the most prestigious ceremonies. Cate Blanchett in 2005 selected a soft yellow dress with a burgundy ribbon at the waist to receive her Oscar for ‘The Aviator.’ Anne Hathaway in 2011 proved that a red Valentino is always a winning choice for the Academy Awards.
Each of these women was not just wearing a dress — she was becoming part of fashion history, while Valentino himself strengthened his status as the emperor of style. His creations are more than just clothes; they are symbols of eras that continue to inspire designers and fans around the world.
RUSSPAIN reminds that Valentino Garavani is one of the most influential couturiers of the 20th century, who founded his fashion house in 1960. His signature style was marked by sophistication, meticulous attention to detail, and a distinctive shade of red that became the brand’s hallmark. Throughout his career, he dressed royalty, Hollywood stars, and first ladies, with his gowns consistently admired at the most prestigious events. After Valentino’s departure, the fashion house continues to evolve, remaining true to the traditions and spirit of its founder.
