It all began with an awakening. While still a student, Valentino Garavani attended a performance of Carmen in Barcelona. But it wasn’t the music that transformed him—it was a woman. Sitting in one of the theater boxes was an older woman in a striking red dress that exuded a level of class and elegance he’d never seen before. Years later, as he began making a name for himself in the fashion world, he decided to capture that exact shade—a color that gave life to those who wore it. The result became an icon.
More than just a shade of red
The story of this now-legendary hue truly began in 1959, when Valentino Garavani was preparing his Spring/Summer collection. Among all the garments, one stood out: a dress titled La Fiesta, dyed in a unique shade of red that was unlike anything else. It wasn’t crimson, coral, or cherry—it was something entirely its own.
Valentino Red is a pure cadmium red, untouched by hints of blue or yellow, with a velvet-like depth that became a visual signature of the Italian maison. More than a color, it became a statement—one of elegance, strength, and quiet confidence. The model was a resounding success, and from that moment on, Valentino made sure to include at least one garment in that signature hue in every collection.
The impact of this tone extended far beyond the runway. In time, the Pantone Color Institute officially recognized it as Valentino Red, solidifying its place in fashion history and giving it resonance in advertising, politics, and cultural identity. Notably, Jackie Kennedy, the iconic First Lady of the United States, often wore Valentino’s designs in this vibrant red.
Valentino himself repeatedly said that his love for red went far beyond aesthetics. He believed it gave women power—“the color of a true heroine,” he once said. And now, following the passing of this visionary designer on January 19, 2026, there’s no better way to honor his legacy than to wear his signature color with pride.
Because Valentino Red is more than fashion. It is a tribute to female strength, a legacy woven into fabric, and a color that changed the world—one dress at a time.
