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Special Features
- The Perfect Life--Takes the viewer inside Valentino’s homes around the world, revealing the unique lifestyle he’s created for himself and the amount of work it takes to maintain it. In a second chapter, we fly on the private aircraft with Valentino and his entourage to Gstaad for a vacation at the glamorous ski resort. Lastly, we discover Valentino’s residence on Fifth Avenue, as Valentino visits New York for the Costume Institute Benefit Gala.
- The Last Collection--We see Valentino’s farewell haute couture show. The show took place in January 2008 in Paris, five month after Valentino announced his retirement. Memorable for its all-red finale, the show was a last homage to Valentino’s creative genius, attended by the likes of Uma Thurman, Claudia Schiffer and Muccia Prada.
- The Red Dress--Takes us inside Valentino’s Rome haute couture workshop where the seamstresses work on the red dress that is featured in the movie. Antonietta De Angelis reveals some of her secrets about dressmaking and working for Valentino.
Editorial Reviews
Review
A must-see for fashion lovers and pop-culture addicts --The New York Times
Flawless --Time
Amazing... You will adore this. --New York Magazine
Flawless --Time
Amazing... You will adore this. --New York Magazine
Product Description
A critically acclaimed look into the life and times of legendary fashion designer Valentino. The film documents the colorful and dramatic closing act of the fashion icons celebrated career, tells the story of his extraordinary life and work, and also explores the larger themes affecting the fashion business today. But at the heart of the film is the unique relationship between Valentino and his business partner and companion of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Iconic Designer's Last Years in a Radically Changed Industry.
September 24, 2009
Format:DVD
"Valentino: The Last Emperor" follows the personal and professional life of fashion designer Valentino Garavani from his Spring/Summer 2006 collection to his 45-year retrospective celebration in Rome in July 2007, just months before Valentino retired. That's about a year and a half, a short period in a very long career. But its purpose is not so much to honor Valentino's contributions to women's fashion as to document the changing world of fashion that Valentino survived for 5 decades, remaining in control of his designs and working in his Rome design studio until his retirement at the age of 75.
Valentino's former boyfriend and the business partner responsible for making Valentino SpA an international success, Giancarlo Giammetti, graces this film with multiple interviews. Valentino speaks for himself as well, but we get to know him best by observing the work and bickering behind the scenes in his design studio, runway shows, and at a lavish bash at his Chateau de Wideville outside of Paris. Because this film encompasses the 2007 retrospective celebration, we get some glimpses back in time as well as a look at the process of creating new designs.
At one time, designers made money by selling clothes. In the 1980s, it was licensing. In the 1990s, fashion houses became commodities for international investment companies. Valentino kept on designing through it all. In 1998, Valentino and Giammetti sold the company to HdP. In 2002, Valentino SpA was sold to Marzotto Group -and this film witnesses some of the clashes of priorities between Valentino and Mateo Marzotto. We watch as the company is sold in 2007 to Peramira LLC, a private equity company whose goal is clearly to make money. Valentino was the last man standing of his generation of designers in a business that has been radically transformed over the course of his career. That's what "Valentino: The Last Emperor" is all about. In English, Italian, and French with optional subtitles.
The DVD (Phase 4 Films 2009): Bonus features are a theatrical trailer and three featurettes. In "The Perfect Life: Around the World with Valentino" (30 min), Michael Kelly, Majordomo of Valentino's six residences, takes us behind the scenes at Chateau Wideville, Chalet Gifferhorn at Gstaad, and Valentino's apartment in New York. If you liked the scenes at Chateau Wideville in the film, there is more of that here. "The Last Collection" (9 min) takes us to Paris in January 2008, as Valentino shows his last couture collection and says goodbye to his staff. "A Red Dress" (8 min) shows more detail of creating the red dress we see in the film, particularly of head seamstress Antonietta de Angelis. Subtitles available in English for the bonus features. Subtitles available in English, Spanish, and French for the film.
Valentino's former boyfriend and the business partner responsible for making Valentino SpA an international success, Giancarlo Giammetti, graces this film with multiple interviews. Valentino speaks for himself as well, but we get to know him best by observing the work and bickering behind the scenes in his design studio, runway shows, and at a lavish bash at his Chateau de Wideville outside of Paris. Because this film encompasses the 2007 retrospective celebration, we get some glimpses back in time as well as a look at the process of creating new designs.
At one time, designers made money by selling clothes. In the 1980s, it was licensing. In the 1990s, fashion houses became commodities for international investment companies. Valentino kept on designing through it all. In 1998, Valentino and Giammetti sold the company to HdP. In 2002, Valentino SpA was sold to Marzotto Group -and this film witnesses some of the clashes of priorities between Valentino and Mateo Marzotto. We watch as the company is sold in 2007 to Peramira LLC, a private equity company whose goal is clearly to make money. Valentino was the last man standing of his generation of designers in a business that has been radically transformed over the course of his career. That's what "Valentino: The Last Emperor" is all about. In English, Italian, and French with optional subtitles.
The DVD (Phase 4 Films 2009): Bonus features are a theatrical trailer and three featurettes. In "The Perfect Life: Around the World with Valentino" (30 min), Michael Kelly, Majordomo of Valentino's six residences, takes us behind the scenes at Chateau Wideville, Chalet Gifferhorn at Gstaad, and Valentino's apartment in New York. If you liked the scenes at Chateau Wideville in the film, there is more of that here. "The Last Collection" (9 min) takes us to Paris in January 2008, as Valentino shows his last couture collection and says goodbye to his staff. "A Red Dress" (8 min) shows more detail of creating the red dress we see in the film, particularly of head seamstress Antonietta de Angelis. Subtitles available in English for the bonus features. Subtitles available in English, Spanish, and French for the film.
16 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By B. Hartford
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I saw this movie in a local theatre and it was far better than I expected. Although there is a lot about fashion, I found the most light-hearted and funny moments about Valentino's relationship with Giancarlo. They are such a great couple.... they complete each other and their 'married' style of bickering made me laugh a lot. Wonderful fashions, lots of celebrities, and yes, the special pugs that seem to take over everything! Definately can't wait until 08 September for the DVD to be released!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
After seeing the Charlie Rose interview and then watching this fast paced film I really cared personally about these two fashion world guys. Valentino's designs as they evolve from sketch to draping to model ready to runway perfection wow at every stage. The dresses and suits endow the wearer with femininity through a body hugging silhouette, with refinement through the use of costly materials and with glamour by the addition of extravagant embellishments. More than 45 years as a designer and every design is a unique work of art. The process is brutal at times; the film shines a light on berated , exhausted seamstresses as they translate a concept into a "Valentino". Near meltdowns occur as tensions rise at the approach of a seasonal presentation. But far from being a mere artist, Valentino knows his way around media spin, client flattery, party giving and self indulgence; he's as shrewd a showman and salesman as you`ll find. But he spends like a drunk and is still insecure enough that he needs to hear he's good from the one person whose opinion can seem to really shake him to the core. Enter Giancarlo.
And this is where Matt Tyrnauer, the producer/director deserves special credit for he captures the two men's complex interdependency with revealing riffs and amusing editing.
Giancarlo makes the pieces of the Valentino enterprise ( logistical, financial, promotional and administrative) come together because he possesses vision and self-confidence, grace and toughness, ideas aplenty yet the ability to self edit, momentum not without discipline, straightforwardness combined with circumspection, and outstanding organizational skill plus a nose for the direction of the business. Valentino went bankrupt before he met Giancarlo, now he has five marvelous homes and a yacht. Giancarlo benefited materially as well but the sole reward that seems to bring him great happiness is appreciation and praise from Valentino.
And when Valentino finally comes for a hug and to say thank you, Giancarlo enfolds his partner in his arms and holds on for dear life. I have never seen a mutual love this deep play out on the screen, and powerfully, they aren't actors. This is an amazing story and left me wondering why this kind of love is sadly so rare.
And this is where Matt Tyrnauer, the producer/director deserves special credit for he captures the two men's complex interdependency with revealing riffs and amusing editing.
Giancarlo makes the pieces of the Valentino enterprise ( logistical, financial, promotional and administrative) come together because he possesses vision and self-confidence, grace and toughness, ideas aplenty yet the ability to self edit, momentum not without discipline, straightforwardness combined with circumspection, and outstanding organizational skill plus a nose for the direction of the business. Valentino went bankrupt before he met Giancarlo, now he has five marvelous homes and a yacht. Giancarlo benefited materially as well but the sole reward that seems to bring him great happiness is appreciation and praise from Valentino.
And when Valentino finally comes for a hug and to say thank you, Giancarlo enfolds his partner in his arms and holds on for dear life. I have never seen a mutual love this deep play out on the screen, and powerfully, they aren't actors. This is an amazing story and left me wondering why this kind of love is sadly so rare.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A banquet for the senses
Valentino is an entertaining look at the couture industry: the creativeness, the beauty, the shallowness and excess.
As frothy and fun as a bright red party dress.
As frothy and fun as a bright red party dress.
Published 1 day ago by Ockham
5.0 out of 5 stars
THIS FLICK IS OVER THE TOP DECADENT
I purchassed this video some time ago, viewed it and sent it along to my gay nephiew and his mate in Palm Springs. I am so glad to get another copy aand a very good price. Read more
Published 6 days ago by George W. Ewell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Valentino Garavani!!
I enjoyed it a lot! He is really an Emperor! His unique fashion and his style of living: imperial !!!!! I hope he will live for ever.
Published 1 month ago by Olga Baleta
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you want to know the history of Valentino and the man behind the...
It really gave me a whole new appreciation for the world of fashion and the legends that make it what it is.
Published 1 month ago by Cindy Laughlin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great dvd
It was great to see a master desinger at work and play.I really appreciate the gift of his talent especially sincehe has shared it with the world. Read more
Published 3 months ago by V. Hendrickson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Valentino's Virtuosity
If you are a fan of Valentino's style, or feminine dresses which make women look like women--think Audrey Hepburn style--you will enjoy this behind the scenes documentary about... Read more
Published 4 months ago by L. M. Keefer
5.0 out of 5 stars
A film that makes you appreciate the art of fashion
This is an informative film about the fashion world and one of its finest creative people. I learned to appreciate and value the world of craftsmanship and artistry in the making... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jodi Dorries
3.0 out of 5 stars
Its nice to watch
The documentary has a very nice story and anyone is a fan of Valentino should watch this. The reson i rated this 3/5 is that is not well executed.
Published 5 months ago by Mohamed
5.0 out of 5 stars
GeorgeMurleyValentinoGaravani
Valentino is one of the most iconic fashion houses around...and still around. This DVD captures all of that and more!
Published 6 months ago by George Murley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring
This DVD really did a great job showing the artistic side of Valentino. He is a true master of art in fashion. Read more
Published 8 months ago by els
