(posted on behalf of reporter Silvia Aloisi) 

What do you wear to an interview with Valentino?

I asked myself that question as I was dressing in my hotel room ahead of another busy day at the Venice film festival which included an afternoon sit-down with the fashion guru, on the Lido to present “Valentino: The Last Emperor”, a documentary about his career.

Preparing for the interview, I had read that Valentino once said: “I have had the life of an aesthete. I’ve always loved beautiful things, beautiful people. I hate sloppiness, disorder. Even relaxations must be kept under control.”

But it was a hot day and I knew I would have to run around all day between screenings and press conferences, so wearing comfortable clothes was my priority. In any case I had packed no tailored suits, let alone an evening gown … simply because I don’t own one and am not particularly fashion-conscious.

Still, wearing jeans and a striped T-shirt, I felt slightly uneasy as I sat in front of the impeccably dressed Valentino, with his light beige jacket, white trousers and pale blue shirt matching a pair of suede shoes.

I asked him about what he thought about modern fashion and whether the era of haute couture was well and truly over. Not so, he replied.

“There will always be people who want nice things. There are so many rags around, one is  spoilt for choice. But one must not forget that there are women who have a certain life style. Women who, be it for their own profession or for their husband’s work or for whatever social occasion, need to be well dressed.”

I don’t think Valentino was referring to my clothes when he said rags — he is too polite for that. But maybe it’s time to go and buy that tailored suit.