Glamouria - Arrivederci Valentino By Hayat Ammouri
Glamouria
Another Sad Day for Fashion Lovers and Italy
Today we say goodbye to another Italian legend, Valentino Garavani who passed away peacefully in his estate in Rome, at the age of 93.
Valentino was my first fashion big interview... Sharing here some of the interview excerpts in his own words...
When did you start thinking of fashion and loving it?
It started when I was at school. I would draw models and designs on the corners of my notebooks.
What are the obstacles you faced?
I was very lucky because my family was immediately supportive and let me move to Paris even though I was very young. I joined Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale, and later my dad helped open my atelier in Rome.
What advice would you give to young designers in the Arab World?
Take the work seriously and persist. Have faith in the work you do and don’t stop at obstacles.
Your biggest love in life?
Fashion.
Outside of fashion
My dogs and decorating the homes I own.
How do you relax in your free time?
I spend time with my family and friends. In winter I like to ski, and in summer, I like to go from one place to another in the Mediterranean on my boat.
Countries you love to visit?
I love Russia, specifically Saint Petersburg; I visited it many times.
The most beautiful woman?
A woman who knows herself well. A confident woman.
What do you say about these women who you worked with:
Julia Roberts: A very successful actress. Full of life.
Elizaeth Taylor: A woman who has not changed till today (interview time)
Madonna: A woman who is ahead of fashion
Jennifer Lopez: Her voice is magnificent.
Elisabeth Hurley: A very sexy woman.
Naomi Campbell: A professional model.
Cindy Crawford: A woman, and a top model.
A color that looks good on every woman?
The Valentino red.
Why do you love red so much?
I was on a trip to Barcelona. We were at the opera, and I saw the most beautiful woman alive. She was wearing red. I don’t think there is any other woman who looks like her, and I was never able to forget her.
The Valentino Formula:
Valentino Red: 100% magenta +100% yellow +10% black
Must -Have in every woman’s wardrobe?
A very well-cut suit with a blazer, and a black dress that she can wear anywhere and to every occasion.
What do you think of Arab Women?
Charming with a very strong personality. They are never rude or aggressive. Always sweet and elegant.
What characteristic would make these women Valentino Women?
- Italian woman: Her joy
- American Woman: Her spontaneity
- French woman: Her innate elegance
- Arab woman: Her sweetness
- Asia Woman: Her sensuality
A memorable fashion show
A lot of them! The White Collection I presented in 1968 at Palazzo Pitti, another collection where I was totally inspired by Brazil in 1978, another one in 1989, the one I presented in New York at The Metropolitan Museum in 1982, and one in Hollywood at the 20th Centuries Fox studios in 1988.
