The British Fashion Council (BFC) has just unveiled this year’s recipient of the highly coveted Outstanding Achievement award at the upcoming Fashion Awards, and it’s none other than the iconic designer who left an indelible mark on the fashion world in the 1960s and 70s.
Introducing Valentino Garavani, the visionary founder and former creative force behind Maison Valentino, a timeless titan in the fashion industry.
Valentino embarked on an illustrious career spanning multiple decades, initially collaborating with Paris couture legends before establishing his own fashion empire in Rome in 1960. His creations quickly became synonymous with elegance and sophistication, gracing the red carpets, intimate gatherings, luncheons, and soirées of the rich and famous.
In partnership with Giancarlo Giammetti, he co-founded Maison Valentino and unveiled his debut collection in 1962. Valentino’s distinctive crimson red hue and the iconic V emblem became his trademarks, and he continued to shape the fashion landscape until his retirement in 2008.
Even after stepping away from the fashion forefront, Valentino’s legacy endured, evident in the ongoing success of Valentino, both in haute couture and ready-to-wear.
Valentino expressed his gratitude upon receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award, stating, «It is a tremendous honor to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award. Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to witness the transformative power of fashion, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have had. To be honored in London, one of my most beloved cities, makes this momentous occasion even more special. I am truly humbled, and I hope to continue to inspire future generations of designers to challenge conventional norms and wholeheartedly embrace innovation, beauty, and glamour.»
Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the BFC, praised Valentino’s groundbreaking approach and his unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries throughout his illustrious career. She described Valentino as a true visionary whose limitless creativity, innovative designs, and dedication to craftsmanship have revolutionized the fashion industry, leaving an unparalleled legacy and serving as an inspiration to generations of designers.
Previous recipients of this prestigious award include notable figures such as Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia, Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada, Ralph Lauren, Karl Lagerfeld, Anna Wintour, Terry and Tricia Jones, and Manolo Blahnik, among other luminaries in the world of fashion.
