In the fashion world the name Valentino is a byword for luxury. Valentino Garavani, the founding designer who remained with the company after he sold it in 1998, has become an emblem of a jetset lifestyle, his name synonymous with opulence and style. Sales figures are also impressive. The Valentino Fashion Group, which encompasses Hugo Boss, Marlboro Classics and M Missoni, saw an increase of 13.6 per cent last year, with total net sales of €1.9 billion (£1.3 billion).

In a society where fast turnover fashion and bargain labels dominate women’s shopping habits, such success at a high-end style scale is impressive. There are three lines under the Valentin banner: Mainline Couture, Valentino Roma and Valentino Red. The three brands manage to cross all economic strata (bar the bargain).

Hugo Boss, the second-largest label in the group, has also shown growth. It has just reported an increase of 9 per cent in sales for the first quarter of this year to €500 million. New stores are planned.

The group as a whole also has the potential to expand its product range. Marigay McKee, fashion and beauty director at Harrods, said: “Brands such as Valentino who don’t have an “it-bag” are quite clever. They’re not at the mercy of having to produce a killer bag each season. Instead, they create a bag of classic longevity and women are likely to spend £1,000 or more for timeless luxury.”

Rumours abound that Mr Garavani will retire this year after 45 years, but Valentino is no longer just a man – it is a megabrand.

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