Before departing for Europe on Sunday, I went to see the new movie Valentino: The Last Emperor at New York’s Film Forum downtown. And I absolutely loved it. So much, in fact, I just might see it again when I return from my travels!  It is a touching tribute to the legendary designer’s work and the final stages of his prolific career. More than that, though, the movie reveals the extraordinary relationship between Valentino and Giancarlo Giammetti, his business partner and companion of 50 years.

Aside from being a longtime fan of Valentino’s glorious designs, the movie resonated with me because of the time I have spent with he and Giancarlo. A few years ago during the Haute Couture shows, I was invited to Valentino’s villa outside of Paris for a private dinner with fashion industry figures like Anna Wintour, Graydon Carter, Hamish Bowles and The Duchess of York, among others. I felt as though I’d entered a fantastical world.  Every detail of the dinner party was meticulously planned and totally resplendent.  I’ll never forget the long candlelit driveway to his home and the immaculate table settings. It felt like a dream, but I imagine that for Valentino it was simply another dinner party. His eye for beauty and his pursuit of perfection extend beyond dresses—it’s how he approaches his entire life.

Because I’ve attended the shows for years, it was also fun seeing the many fashionistas I’ve come to know over time. I recognized the journalists in the scenes from backstage and saw many of my friends, including Georgina Brandolini, who has an amusing conversation with Valentino as he prepares his speech for the Légion d’Honneur.

I also really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at how Valentino creates—his team of incredible seamstresses and how he labors intensely over a finished product. There’s an ethereal dress he’s working on that has delicate strips sewn into the pleats of the skirt. He suggests more sequins to his assistants’ dismay, but of course it was the correct move. The final result is breathtaking.

To witness the repartee between Valentino and Giancarlo is at times hilarious, and at other moments, very touching. They have their quibbles but their devotion to one another is transcendent.  The scene in which Valentino receives the Légion d’Honneur in Paris is particularly moving. While accepting the award, the typically reserved designer breaks down into tears as he thanks his longtime partner. It was very emotional to watch.

It’s bittersweet seeing the film knowing that Valentino has since retired. His goal, he says in the movie, is to give women what they want “…and that is to feel beautiful.” He achieved this with each dress, year after year, for half a century. Amazing. 

Valentino: The Last Emperor is really a must-see for anyone who enjoys fashion and this celebrated designer.

Click here to watch the movie trailer
Click here to read my tribute to Valentino and his timeless designs.

UPDATE: Click here to read a Q&A With Valentino Movie Director Matt Tyrnauer and André Leon Talley