又一位意大利设计大师去世，他是时尚界的末代皇帝

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the legacy and impact of Valentino Garavani, a renowned Italian fashion designer, who passed away at the age of 93, highlighting his contributions to the fashion industry and the challenges faced by his brand in recent years [2][4]. Group 1: Valentino's Legacy - Valentino Garavani was a prominent figure in the fashion world, known for his signature "Valentino Red" gowns that became staples on red carpets, particularly favored by Hollywood stars [2][4]. - The brand Valentino was established in 1960, and its first major exposure came when Elizabeth Taylor wore a Valentino gown to the premiere of "Spartacus" [4][6]. - Valentino's designs combined Italian romance with French tailoring, emphasizing handcraft elements, and he viewed haute couture as an art rather than a business [6][7]. Group 2: Brand Evolution and Challenges - The brand faced challenges with the rise of minimalism and the consolidation of fashion groups, leading to a decline in independent brands [7][11]. - Valentino sold his company in 1998 for approximately $300 million but continued to influence creative design until his retirement in 2008 [2][11]. - The brand's financial performance has been declining, with projected revenues of €1.311 billion for 2024, a decrease of 2.74% year-over-year, and a total drop of about €107 million since 2022 [11][14]. Group 3: Future Prospects - In 2024, Alessandro Michele, former creative director of Gucci, will join Valentino, bringing a new aesthetic to the brand [13]. - Valentino's beauty line, launched in collaboration with L'Oréal, has struggled to gain traction in a competitive market, leading to its exit from the South Korean market by the end of 2025 [14].