Valentino
by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel

As East Enders know, autumn is a time for the Hampton International Film Festival’s (HIFF) five day presentation.  It is a not-to-be missed event for anyone that loves the movies.  However, there is just not enough time during the five day festival to see all the terrific movies being previewed.  Now, many months later some of the movies are finally being released for general viewing, giving theatergoers a chance to see films they missed.  A much talked about film was the opening night special, Valentino: The Last Emperor that was the start of the 2008 HIFF.

In a world few of us will ever be able to enter, Valentino: The Last Emperor takes viewers behind the scenes of Haute Couture, French for the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing. At first glance one might expect this to be a simple exposé of famed designer Valentino Garavani and his fashions, but there comes more.  A peek behind his over 45 year career is filled with backstage passes to the preparations of the world premiere of his annual clothing line, the cut throat business maneuvers of a takeover of the Valentino empire and the temperamental, yet fascinating inspiration behind the designs, Valentino himself.  A closer look of his long time relationship with, Giancarlo Giammetti, his life partner and business advisor is seen from afar with glimpses of their dependency on each other. Valentino and Giammetti met in 1960 and their friendship turned into a flourishing dynasty with one the creator and the other an “entrepreneurial genius” that ran the business end of the empire.

Watching the preparations before each fashion show is mind boggling.  Waif thin models walking down the runway is the final stage of a year long process with changes, temperamental flare ups, design alterations before the finished product is ready to be shown.  The fashions are breathtaking, the simplicity, elegance and exquisiteness of every piece makes it absolutely clear why Valentino was and remains a fashion icon. Celebrity showings are sprinkled through the movie as other fashion notables, Karl Lagerfeld, Giorgio Armani, Donatella Versace, Diane von Furstenberg, Manolo Blahnik, Carolina Herrera and others make appearances as they interact with Valentino.  Later in the film a glimpse of one of Valentino’s villas is shown as a post-show gala dinner and ball takes place.  Attendees converge upon the scene with film stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Hudson, Uma Thurman and Anne Hathaway to Princess Caroline of Monaco and Anna Wintour editor in chief of American Vogue coming to be part of the celebration. Lavish gardens, mirrored walls, spectacular gardens and opulent designs continue from the fashion runway to the daily lifestyle of Valentino and Giammetti, yet one wonders where is the time for them to enjoy these possessions,

  In July 2007 Valentino was honored in Rome for his 45 years in fashion, turning a stunning career into a spectacular never to be repeated. This event was covered in the film that was produced and directed by Matt Tyrnauer, Special Correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine.  With over 250 hours of shooting the film followed Valentino and his inner circle covering various events of his career.  The North American premiere of the film was at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival and at the HIFF in October 2008. Its European premiere was at the Venice International Film Festival.  Anyone that loves clothing is attracted to fashion or follows the glamorous world of celebrity wardrobes and international business trends will find this film absorbing and different from most biography films they have seen.  As the film draws to a close the viewer is easily convinced that Valentino’s illustrious career indeed leaves him as the sole, undisputed Emperor of Fashion.