Director Matt Tyrnauer talks Valentino: The Last Emperor

Valentino poses with models 

The world of high fashion was a mystery to Matt Tyrnauer, Vanity Fair correspondent, until he met Valentino Garavani, the iconic Italian haute couture designer. Captivated by the 45-year relationship between Valentino and his business partner Giancarlo Giametti, Tyrnauer realized only a film could do them justice. Valentino: The Last Emperor gives fashion followers a glimpse into the life of the legendary pair.

When Tyrnauer wrote the story "So Very Valentino" for Vanity Fair in August of 2004, it was the only piece on the relationship between Valentino and Giametti to ever be published. The response Tyrnauer received gave him the incentive to make a documentary about the two men.  

"When I went to Rome I was blown away. The article was well received and I thought it had to be a movie," Tyrnauer says. "It was a long two years. We had over 270 hours of footage."

Tyrnauer has written profiles on Martha Stewart, Siegfried and Roy, Tommy Hilfiger, and Greg Kinnear among others, but

Matt Tyrnauer: Director  of Valentino: The Last Emperor 

admits Valentino's personality presented some challenges.

"I am not going to act like he isn't a difficult person," Tyrnauer says laughing. "Valentino is the most difficult person I have ever worked with."

 A 70-year-old Italian designer with a difficult personality doesn't come as a shock to anyone familiar with the fashion industry. In fact, Valentino's personality traits are exactly what made him the man he is today. Though the designer could at times be a bit unpleasant, his work ethic and artistry were worth the documentation. The film is Tyrnauer's directorial debut. Though he knew very little about the subject of fashion the film reveals a deep understanding of the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into making a dress.

 

"I'm an interesting character to look at, because I'm not a fashion writer. I'm honored to be privileged enough to see the process. I'm in awe of what they do." Tyrnauer explains. "I feel like I've had an instant Ph. D in high fashion. Now I understand what they do. I really have an appreciation for what it is about."

 

The documentary captures Valentino and Giammetti as they prepare for his 45-year anniversary celebration in Rome, Italy. Surrounded by loyal friends like Karl Lagerfeld, André Leon Talley and countless members of Hollywood royalty, Valentino ponders his future as he faces corporate takeovers and a changing industry. As a result, the end of an era unfolds on screen.  

"I'd like to take credit for being profound and coming up with that, but that is what happened while we were filming," Tyrnauer says. "He may not have been the hippest designer, but he was the best. He never changed his method. Valentino is a billion dollar empire. He spared no expense. They did it at the highest level and on a global scale. You can't do it anymore and what drove it home was the corporate takeover."

Valentino begins the draping process   

Valentino's closest friends are brought to tears at the thought of him leaving the fashion house he and Giametti built.  Fans stand below his hotel balcony screaming his name like that of a famous rock star. Anyone who understands the value of hard work and creativity can't help but be moved by the beauty inspired by the fashion icon.

"Now it's all about money and mass production. It's about a million purses for a million people." Tyrnauer explains. "For Valentino it was about one dress."