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In the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, amidst rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes, there is a place that gave birth to one of the greatest names in world fashion: Voghera. It was here, on 11 May 1932, that Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani was born, destined to become a legend in the fashion world under the simple name of Valentino.
His story is that of a young man with extraordinary talent and boundless ambition. From a young age, Valentino showed an innate interest in fashion, finding inspiration among local tailors and learning the first secrets of the trade from stylist Ernestina Salvadeo.
His thirst for knowledge led him to Milan, where he enrolled in a pattern-making school, also devoting time to studying French at the Berlitz School. But his real springboard was Paris, the fashion capital, where he perfected his skills at the École de La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture, opening the door to his destiny as a fashion star.
Paris, with its vibrant and creative atmosphere, was a milestone on Valentino‘s path. He collaborated with prestigious fashion houses such as Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, refining his style and consolidating his reputation in the industry.
However, the call of his homeland was strong and Valentino decided to return to Italy. Here, with the support of a few partners, including his partner Giancarlo Giammetti, he founded his own fashion house. It was not an easy start: financial difficulties threatened to put an end to his dream before it could even get off the ground. But with determination and ingenuity, Valentino overcame the obstacles and in 1959 opened his first atelier in Rome, on Via Condotti.
It was the turning point. The world began to discover Valentino‘s genius through his creations, which combined classic elegance with a modern touch. His exceptional talent was recognised in 1962, when he presented his collection at Pitti Moda in Florence, achieving extraordinary success and attracting the attention of the entire fashion industry.
From then on, the Valentino brand became synonymous with refinement, luxury and sophistication. His creations have dressed the brightest stars of film and music, helping to define the style of entire generations.
Today, Valentino‘s legacy continues to shine. His creations are not only worn on the world‘s most prestigious catwalks, but are also available to fashionistas around the world through exclusive boutiques and online platforms such as YOOX.
Valentino is much more than just a designer. He is an icon, a symbol of timeless elegance and a pride for his place of origin, the Oltrepò Pavese. His story inspires and his legacy is destined to live forever in the collective imagination of fashion.
