Valentino is a fashion brand that has been around since the 1960s when it was founded by Valentino Garavani. Over the years, the brand has become synonymous with luxury, elegance, and sophistication. However, in recent years, there has been some confusion surrounding the brand, particularly between the differences of Valentino and Valentino Garavani.
Valentino Garavani, or simply Valentino, is the Italian designer who founded the luxury fashion house Valentino in 1960. Valentino was the creative director of the brand until his retirement in 2008. His signature style is characterized by his use of luxurious fabrics, bold colors, and romantic designs.
In contrast, Valentino is the name of the fashion brand that has been ongoing since its inception by Valentino Garavani. Today, Valentino is owned by the Valentino Fashion Group, and its current creative director is Pierpaolo Piccioli, who has been with the brand since 1999.
When comparing Valentino to Valentino Garavani, it is essential to understand that both are separate but related entities. Valentino Garavani is the designer and the visionary behind the brand, while Valentino is the luxury fashion brand that has a team of designers and creative directors who work to maintain the brand’s legacy.
Despite the separation of the two entities, Valentino Garavani’s influence on the brand remains evident even today. The brand’s signature red color, for instance, was inspired by a dress that Valentino Garavani created for one of his first collections. Similarly, the brand’s logo, which features the letter V twice in a horizontal arrangement, pays homage to Valentino’s iconic V logo.
One of the most significant differences between the two entities is their approach to fashion. Valentino Garavani was known for his romantic and feminine designs, often using delicate fabrics such as chiffon, lace, and silk to create flowing, ethereal pieces. His couture creations were often showstoppers, featuring intricate embroidery, beadwork, and appliques.
On the other hand, Valentino, as a brand, has evolved to cater to the modern woman. While it still retains its signature elegance and sophistication, the designs are characterized by a more contemporary feel. The brand now features sharp tailoring, bold prints, and edgier silhouettes that appeal to a wider audience. The brand also regularly collaborates with artists and designers to bring an innovative edge to its collections.
Another significant difference between the two entities is their price point. Valentino Garavani’s couture creations were always known to be expensive, catering to a select few who could afford them. Similarly, the brand’s accessories, such as bags and shoes, were items to be coveted and were often priced exorbitantly.
While Valentino today still features luxury items, the brand has expanded its offerings to include more accessible and affordable pieces. For instance, Valentino’s Rockstud collection, which features studded bags, shoes, and accessories, is now synonymous with the brand and is priced more affordably than the brand’s couture creations.
FAQs
Q. Are Valentino and Valentino Garavani the same thing?
A. No. Valentino Garavani is the founder and designer behind the fashion brand Valentino. Valentino, on the other hand, is the fashion brand that is currently owned by the Valentino Fashion Group and has a team of designers and creative directors who work to maintain the brand’s legacy.
Q. Who is the current creative director of Valentino?
A. The current creative director of Valentino is Pierpaolo Piccioli, who has been with the brand since 1999.
Q. What is Valentino’s signature red color?
A. Valentino’s signature red color was inspired by a dress that Valentino Garavani created for one of his first collections. The vibrant shade of red is now synonymous with the brand.
Q. What is Valentino’s most iconic design?
A. Valentino’s most iconic design is arguably the Valentino Garavani V logo. Two Vs in a horizontal arrangement pay homage to the designer’s initials and legacy.
Q. How has Valentino evolved over the years?
A. Valentino has evolved to cater to the modern woman, featuring sharp tailoring, bold prints, and edgier silhouettes. The brand’s offerings have expanded to include more accessible and affordable pieces, such as the Rockstud collection.