Valentino Retrospective, copyright Ingrid Mida 2007The latest must-see movie for fashionistas opened last night in Manhattan. The documentary: Valentino: The Last Emperor by Matt Tyrnauer offers glimpses into fashion designer Valentino Garavani's opulent lifestyle.
This 96 minute long documentary portrait includes scenes in his atelier, at Valentino's lavish palaces, on his private jet and on his yacht with his life and business partner Giancarlo Giammetti and their six pugs. When asked the question "What do women want?", the legendary designer responded "They want to be beautiful".
The movie also documents the 45th anniversary celebrations of the Valentino line in Rome, which included a retrospective of his work at the Ara Pacis Museum, a ball at the Villa Borghese and a spectacular party at the Colosseum. (I was in Rome at this time and attended the retrospective which was breathtaking in its beauty and took some fabulous photos one of which is posted above). Two months later, Valentino retired.
I am a huge fan of Valentino, especially of that special shade of cherry-red known as Valentino red. I must say I was sorry to learn of his retirement. The line is not the same without him!