A Legacy of Fashion and Friendship
Valentino Garavani, the legendary couturier who co-founded the iconic Valentino fashion house, passed away in Rome at the age of 93. His life was marked by a deep passion for fashion, an enduring friendship with Giancarlo Giammetti, and a legacy that continues to influence the world of high fashion.
Giancarlo Giammetti, often referred to as GG, was not only a close friend but also a key partner in building the Valentino empire. The two met in the 1960s and formed a creative and personal bond that lasted for decades. Though their romantic relationship did not endure, their professional partnership remained strong, shaping the brand into what it is today.
The Man Behind the Brand
Born in Rome in 1942, Giancarlo Giammetti attended the Collegio San Gabriele before studying architecture at university. His early life set the stage for a career that would intertwine with the world of fashion and luxury.
Together with Valentino Garavani, Giammetti established the Valentino fashion house in 1960 in Rome. Over the years, the brand underwent several changes in ownership, including sales to the Holding di Partecipazioni Industriali in 1998, the Marzotto Group in 2002, and finally to Qatar-backed Mayhoola for Investments in 2012. Despite these transitions, the brand continues to thrive under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele.
A Life in the Spotlight
Giammetti has always been a prominent figure in the world of fashion and celebrity. His Instagram account, with over 513,000 followers, showcases his life filled with travel, fashion, and memories of Valentino. His posts often feature glimpses into his luxurious lifestyle, including images of his lavish homes in Paris and New York.
He has also been associated with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Gwyneth Paltrow, Elton John, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, and the Beckhams are just a few of the celebrities he has mingled with over the years. In 2018, he shared a rare photograph of Princess Diana, captured on a yacht in 1990. More recently, in July 2024, Anne Hathaway and her family were seen holidaying aboard his luxurious yacht.
A Rich Cultural Legacy
Beyond his social life, Giammetti has made significant contributions to culture and philanthropy. In 2013, Assouline published Private: Giancarlo Giammetti, a large-format photo book that chronicles his life from childhood in wartime Rome to his decades with Valentino. The book features intimate journal excerpts, interviews, and exclusive photographs of the rich and famous.
His life and partnership with Valentino were also documented in the 2008 film Valentino: The Last Emperor. This documentary highlights the final chapter of their careers, focusing on their decision to retire and the grand farewell party they held in Rome.
Giving Back to the Community
In 2016, Garavani and Giammetti founded the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving their legacy and supporting cultural and charitable projects. The foundation has contributed to institutions such as the Valentino Garavani Theatre in Voghera and has provided aid to families in need through initiatives at Rome’s Bambino Gesù Hospital and Policlinico Gemelli.
Last May, the foundation opened PM23, a new cultural space in Rome’s Piazza Mignanelli. Its inaugural exhibition celebrated Valentino’s signature shade of red, symbolizing the enduring impact of his work.
A Lasting Influence
Valentino Garavani’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through the brand he built and the people he inspired. Giancarlo Giammetti, ever the enigmatic figure, continues to be a central part of this legacy, ensuring that the spirit of Valentino remains alive in the world of fashion and beyond.
