When I heard that the film Valentino: The Last Emperor was finally being released, I was uber excited! Unfortunately, I was not one of the lucky few who got to see it during the trés chic screening hosted by Gilt Groupe and Quintessentially on St. Patrick’s Day. So knowing that it was only playing at one theater, the small but adorable Film Forum on West Houston, I was on a mission to catch it opening weekend! I got up early that Saturday morning and literally ran (well to be fair, I incorporated a pass by the theater into my weekend jog) to get tickets in fear that it would sell-out.

The film by Vanity Fair’s Editor-At-Large Matt Tyrnauer did not disappoint. Yes, it’s about fashion and the history of one of its greatest designers. Valentino Garavani is captured as the true visionary who accepts nothing short of perfection with one goal in mind - beauty! And then of course there are the Pugs, who have it SO good that I wouldn’t mind coming back as one in my next life. But above all, the film is a touching love story about two men, Valentino and partner Giancarlo Giammetti, who changed the face and business of haute couture and eventually left the House they built because even though they laid the foundation, it just wasn’t their roof anymore.

There are few original grand couturiers still living and working today. Lanvin, Givenchy, Chanel, Dior and Saint Laurent have passed on. But they’ve left us with memories and creations of their genius, and in some cases thriving businesses. Valentino is truly one of the last of these grand “Emperors,” in living company with Armani and Lagerfeld, amongst only a few others. Even in our current economic climate, you have to appreciate why women would spend thousands of dollars to own a piece of Valentino Couture. The impeccable craftsmanship and hours of tireless work and perfection that goes into just one dress make each creation a true work of art (as was magnificently displayed in the film at Valentino’s 45th Anniversary celebration in 2007).

So while we may sadly be losing great masters of the craft to business and creative differences, death, age or simply new paths, it is why films like this and events like the annual Costume Institute Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, let us, for even just a day, celebrate and appreciate the art of high-fashion and pay tribute to its gifted creators. Just as one would never have told Chagall he couldn’t work in limestone lithography or ask Graff to set diamonds in silver, we too must continue to embrace the work of couture fashion and materials necessary for such masterpieces, and not let a recession damper the creative genius that has thrived in the past and can flourish with a new, albeit different, generation in the future.

The unfortunate product of tough economic times (of course not by choice) is often the scaling back on quality.  If a visionary designer sees a dress being hand-beaded with tons of draping made from the finest silk and satin, it would never be the same creation if he/she had to construct it with a sewing machine and cotton.  It would be sad if new talent could not bring their visions to life because of financial constraints, though it may be a reality of our times.



Claire Danes, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Valentino Garavani and Anne Hathaway at GILT GROUPE and QUINTESSENTIALLY's Private Dinner for the Premiere of "VALENTINO: The Last Emperor" at The Oak Room in the Plaza Hotel, NYC



Valentino Garavani, Gwyneth Paltrow and Giancario Giammetti at GILT GROUPE and QUINTESSENTIALLY host the Premiere of "VALENTINO: The Last Emperor" at The Museum of Modern Art, NYC



Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti at the VALENTINO 45th Anniversary Gala Ball at Parco Dei Daini, Rome, Italy



Valentino Garavani and Princess Rosario of Bulgaria at the VALENTINO 45th Anniversary Gala Ball at Parco Dei Daini, Rome, Italy



Valentino Garavani and Anna Wintour at the VALENTINO 45th Anniversary Exhibition Party at Museo dell' Ara Pacis, Rome, Italy



Atmosphere at the VALENTINO 45th Anniversary Exhibition Party at Museo dell' Ara Pacis, Rome, Italy



The Colosseum at the VALENTINO 45th Anniversary "TEMPLE of VENUS" at Tempio Di Venere, Rome, Italy



Air Ballet outside The Colosseum at the VALENTINO 45th Anniversary "TEMPLE of VENUS" at Tempio Di Venere, Rome, Italy



Atmosphere at the VALENTINO 45th Anniversary Exhibition Party at Museo dell' Ara Pacis, Rome, Italy