Watch Valentino: The Last Emperor

Valentino: The Last Emperor is an intimate documentary that brings us behind the scenes of the fashion industry through the career and personal life of one of its most renowned figures, Valentino Garavani. Directed by Matt Tyrnauer, this film offers a glimpse into the lavish world of haute couture, while also charting the end of an era.

At the center of the story is Valentino, an 80-year-old designer, who is preparing for his final runway show in 2007, after 45 years in the business. The film follows him and his partner Giancarlo Giammetti, as they work on the collection, dealing with the pressure of meeting deadlines and the perfectionism that characterizes the industry. We see Valentino sketching, supervising fittings, and interacting with his seamstresses and models. He is uncompromising with his vision and obsessed with every detail.

Beyond the work, the movie also delves into the personal relationships that have sustained Valentino over the years. We meet his close friends, such as the socialite Nati Abascal, who shares anecdotes about his personality and sense of humor. We also witness the deep bond between Valentino and Giancarlo, who have been partners in business and life for over 50 years. Their interactions, a mix of love, respect, and bickering, are both amusing and heartwarming.

The documentary provides us with a rare access to the inner workings of Valentino's empire. We see the team brainstorming ideas, choosing fabrics, and organizing fashion shows around the world. We also witness the stress that comes with the job, such as when Valentino becomes furious with a model who walks out of a fitting, or when he gets upset with an assistant who makes a mistake. These scenes reveal the high stakes of this world, where the success of a collection can make or break a career.

The film also offers a historical perspective on Valentino's career, through interviews with his contemporaries and archive footage of his shows. We learn about his rise to fame in the 1960s, his influence on the Italian fashion industry, and his collaborations with celebrities such as Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor. We also witness some of his most iconic designs, such as the Valentino red dress worn by Julia Roberts at the Oscars in 2001. Through these glimpses, we understand why Valentino has become a legend of fashion.

The documentary is visually stunning, showcasing the beauty of haute couture through elaborate dresses, exquisite fabrics, and intricate details. We see Valentino's genius at work, as he transforms a piece of fabric into a work of art. We also see the glamour of the fashion world, through scenes of models walking down the runway, paparazzi waiting outside of shows, and socialites mingling at parties. The movie captures the opulence and extravagance of this realm, while also highlighting the hard work and dedication that goes into creating it.

What makes Valentino: The Last Emperor so interesting is that it is not just about fashion, but also about human relationships. It is a love letter to a man who has devoted his life to beauty, but also to the people who have supported him along the way. The film portrays Valentino as a multifaceted figure, who is both ambitious and vulnerable, demanding and kind. We see the impact he has had on his industry, but also the impact it has had on him. As he prepares to retire, we witness the end of a chapter in fashion history, but also the legacy that Valentino will leave behind.

In summary, Valentino: The Last Emperor is a captivating and emotional documentary that offers a glimpse into the world of haute couture through the story of Valentino Garavani. It is a portrait of a man and an industry, full of beauty, drama, and heart.