Valentino: The Last Emperor, produced
and directed by Matt Tyrnauer, Special Correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine,
is an intimate and engaging fly-on-the-wall exploration of the singular
world of one of Italy's most famous men. The film documents the colorful
and dramatic closing act of Valentino's celebrated career, tells the story
of his extraordinary life, and explores the larger themes affecting the
fashion business today. At the heart of the film is the unique relationship
between Valentino and his business partner and companion of 50 years, Giancarlo
Giammetti.
In production from June 2005 to July 2007, the filmmakers shot over 250
hours of footage with exclusive, unprecedented access to Valentino and his
entourage. "We were let in to the inner circle, but we had to stick it out
for a long time, practically move in, to capture the truly great moments,"
says Tyrnauer. "Valentino is surrounded by a tight-knit family of friends
and employees, but, eventually, their guard came down and they forgot there
was a camera crew in the room."
"Valentino was one of the first designers to make himself the inspirational
figure at the center of the story he was telling," says Tyrnauer. "He is
a born dreamer and the last true couturier, who let us in on his creative
process and also let us in on the life he built around him to sustain this
process," adds Tyrnauer. "He lives as lavishly as his clients and set a
standard for the industry. He shuts out all that is not beautiful, and we
followed him around the world to capture that special world."
Valentino: The Last Emperor is much more than a fashion movie. It is a portrait
of an extraordinary partnership, the longest-running in fashion, and a dramatic
story about a master confronting the final act of his celebrated career.
It will be a film and fashion worldwide event marking the end of an era.
Shot in widescreen high-definition, Valentino: The Last Emperor will premiere
at film festivals beginning in August 2008, with gala premiere parties and
special events planned around the world.