Valentino

Valentino, founded in 1960 by the flamboyant Valentino Garavani and his partner Giancarlo Giammetti, has been synonymous with Italian luxury and drama. Renowned for its bold reds and opulent designs, Valentino quickly became a fashion icon—thanks to its jaw-dropping couture shows and the now-legendary “Valentino Red.” Defining moments? The 1968 "Vanity Fair" scandal when a headline-grabbing wedding dress set off a frenzy among the fashion elite. With a valuation north of $10 billion, the brand flaunts a trophy room filled with accolades like the 2018 Best Couture House. Yet, it’s not all glitz and glam; Valentino has weathered controversies, including the 2019 uproar over a racially insensitive fashion show and accusations of cultural appropriation that sparked outrage. Under the current leadership of Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino continues to dazzle with a mix of modern elegance and timeless sophistication. Despite its missteps and melodrama, the house remains a titan of high fashion, proving that in the world of couture, Valentino's red carpet remains forever in demand.