Billed as "a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fashion, featuring access never-before allowed in the high temples of Haute Couture", this documentary biopic follows legendary designer Valentino Garavani in the wake of his exit from the company he founded more than 45 years ago.

Also featuring heavily in this story is his business partner and lover Giancarlo Giammetti, with the two men looking to flounce out of the colourful, glamourous and mega-rich style industry in, well, in style actually, with a final couture show worthy of their reputations.

“The opulent lifestyle and fabulous haute-couture fashions of the great designer Valentino are presented in all their splendor in this documentary by Matt Tyrnauer. The film covers Valentino's final two years at work before his retirement and the grand 45th-anniversary party, in 2007, celebrating his fashions. The film isn't a biography; Tyrnauer simply follows the designer around and captures the moments. And, between the life beyond luxury (the Roman villa, the French château, the yacht, the skiing in Gstaad) and the workers in his showroom... there's plenty to choose from. But the film's main focus is Valentino's 45 years with his business and life partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, whose attentiveness and devotion to the designer are sincerely moving... By the time we get to the party, for which the Colosseum is bathed in blue light as a backdrop for wire-dancing acrobats dressed in Valentino red, the Felliniesque-ness of it all can bring tears to our eyes.” — Bruce Diones, New Yorker

Language: In English, Italian and French, with English subtitles

Festivals: Venice, Toronto, Amsterdam Documentary 2008

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