Valentino Garavani, the founding designer of the Italian fashion brand Valentino, was born on May 11, 1932. After working as an assistant to Guy Laroche, he went independent in 1959 and opened an haute couture shop in Rome. In 1962, he attracted attention with his "All-White" collection. Later, together with his partner in both public and private life, Giancarlo Giammetti, he grew Valentino into a global brand. His designs, which portrayed gorgeous and elegant women, were loved by Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. Valentino himself retired from design after the presentation of his 2008 Spring/Summer haute couture collection.

Then, from the 08-09 AW season until the 09 SS season, Alessandra Facchinetti served as creative director of Valentino's womenswear, and from the 09-10 AW season, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli took over the position.

On July 11, 2012, the Valentino Fashion Group was acquired by Mayhoola, a Qatari investment group.

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