“To Me, He Was Almost a Mythical Figure”—Alessandro Michele Remembers Valentino

Valentino Garavani and Alessandro Michele at The Fashion Awards 2018 in LondonPhoto: Getty Images

I always imagined Valentino as a constant presence; I envisioned him in his places, in his home, even though I never truly had a relationship with him and never worked with him. I was the first outsider ever to cross the threshold of his maison, of his home.

We met and spoke only a handful of times. Once, many years ago, we met at some fashion awards. I was standing and chatting with Lana Del Rey, along with others, when he introduced himself in the kindest way; Giancarlo was there as well. Meeting him moved me deeply. To me, he was almost a mythical figure. His gentleness struck me profoundly. He had an almost shy smile, like that of a child. It must have been around 2018. We exchanged just a few words and shook hands, and there’s only one photograph ever taken of the two of us together. I shared it on my Instagram, even though I do not like posting photos with anyone. I am not someone who commemorates mournings on Instagram, as has become customary; this is the first time I have done so. I did it because I believe it was owed to him, and because I believe that, even though we did not truly know one another, he would have been pleased to know that I paid him homage. He was a great figure, a man who accomplished extraordinary things. He became part of Italian mythology, and not only Italian.

I believe he told the story of how Italians are fabulous snake charmers, how we are capable of weaving true enchantments. He himself created a magnificent spell, revealing the splendor of our Italian vision of beauty—the exquisite taste, the beauty of his homes, the magnificent, rare things with which he surrounded himself. Through his work, Italy became a source of wonder and admiration in the world’s understanding of beauty.