Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival 2009

VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR is an intimate, engaging, and very funny fly-on-the-wall exploration of the colorful and dramatic closing act of legendary fashion designer Valentino Garavani, whose opulent, royal ideal of feminine beauty has been largely untouched by trends. As he and his longtime business partner and companion, Giancarlo Giammetti, confront the end of 45 years at the top of the worlds most glamorous and competitive game, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fashion, featuring unprecedented access to the high temples of haute couture and Valentinos famously imperial lifestyle. Documenting two years of work, shows, and decisions, the film shows us the creation from sketch to runway, and takes us to a three-day retrospective of Valentinos career. Were in Paris, Rome, and Venice: hes always in pursuit of beauty. Accepting the French Legion of Honor medal, he brings the audience to tears. Reporters ask when hell retire: Is this his careers finale? The struggle of art against commerce is central to the film, however this story is ultimately not one about money or expensive clothes, but about love.