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Valentino S.p.A., an Italian luxury fashion house, was established in 1960. Its registered office is situated in Milan, while its creative direction and foundation are based in Rome.
Answer: True
Explanation: The fashion house Valentino S.p.A. was founded in 1960. While its registered office is in Milan, its creative direction and foundation are located in Rome.
Valentino Garavani founded the fashion house in Rome in 1960, with initial financial backing provided by his father and Giancarlo Giammetti.
Answer: False
Explanation: Valentino Garavani founded the fashion house in 1960. His initial financial support came from his father and Giancarlo Giammetti.
Valentino's creative direction and foundation are centrally located in Milan, Italy.
Answer: False
Explanation: The registered office of Valentino S.p.A. is in Milan, but its creative direction and the Valentino Foundation are based in Rome.
Valentino made its international debut in Paris in 1962.
Answer: False
Explanation: Valentino presented its first international collection in Florence in 1962, a city then considered the epicenter of Italian fashion.
Following its international debut, Valentino expanded its retail presence by opening stores in New York City and Rome, and presented its first menswear show in Milan in 1985.
Answer: True
Explanation: After its international debut, Valentino strategically expanded its global footprint with new stores in key cities like New York and Rome, and further diversified its offerings with its inaugural menswear show in Milan in 1985.
Who founded the Valentino fashion house, and who provided its initial financial backing?
Answer: Valentino Garavani, with financial backing from his father and Giancarlo Giammetti.
Explanation: Valentino Garavani founded the fashion house in 1960. His initial financial support came from his father and Giancarlo Giammetti.
When and where did Valentino make its significant international debut?
Answer: 1962 in Florence, considered the Italian fashion capital at the time.
Explanation: Valentino presented its first international collection in Florence in 1962, a city then considered the epicenter of Italian fashion.
In 1998, Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti sold the company to the French luxury group LVMH.
Answer: False
Explanation: The sale of Valentino in 1998 by its founders marked a significant transition, with the acquisition made by the Italian conglomerate HdP.
The Holding di Partecipazioni Industriali (HdP), which acquired Valentino in 1998, was primarily controlled by Gianni Agnelli, the head of Fiat.
Answer: True
Explanation: At the time of the 1998 acquisition of Valentino, the Holding di Partecipazioni Industriali (HdP) was significantly influenced by Gianni Agnelli, the prominent industrialist leading Fiat.
Under the HdP group, Valentino was associated with the fashion house Gucci and the sportswear manufacturer Fila.
Answer: False
Explanation: While under the ownership of HdP, Valentino's portfolio included associations with GFT Net and Fila, reflecting a broader industrial grouping rather than a direct link with Gucci.
In 2001, the fund Opera, controlled by Bulgari, withdrew from acquiring Valentino due to disagreements over brand integration strategies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Negotiations for Opera, a fund linked to Bulgari, to acquire Valentino in 2001 concluded without a deal, primarily due to a failure to reach an agreement on the purchase price.
Valentino S.p.A. was acquired by Marzotto Apparel in 2002 for $210 million, at which point it reported revenues exceeding $180 million.
Answer: True
Explanation: The acquisition of Valentino S.p.A. by Marzotto Apparel in 2002 for $210 million occurred when the company's revenues surpassed $180 million.
Stefano Sassi served as CEO of Valentino from 2006 to 2020, succeeding Michele Norsa who served from 2002 to 2006.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michele Norsa was CEO from 2002 to 2006, followed by Stefano Sassi who served from 2006 to 2020.
The Valentino Fashion Group was formed in 2005 by the Marzotto family through the spin-off of its fashion assets.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2005, the Marzotto family established the Valentino Fashion Group as a strategic move to consolidate its various fashion holdings.
Permira acquired control of Valentino in 2007 for approximately $3.5 billion.
Answer: True
Explanation: Permira's acquisition of Valentino in 2007 represented a significant transaction, valued at approximately 2.6 billion euros ($3.5 billion).
Which Italian conglomerate acquired Valentino S.p.A. in 1998 from its founders, Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti?
Answer: Holding di Partecipazioni Industriali (HdP)
Explanation: The sale of Valentino in 1998 by its founders marked a significant transition, with the acquisition made by the Italian conglomerate HdP.
What was the approximate valuation of Valentino during its 1998 sale to Holding di Partecipazioni Industriali (HdP)?
Answer: $300 million
Explanation: The company was sold to HdP in 1998 for approximately $300 million.
Which entity acquired Valentino S.p.A. in 2002 for $210 million?
Answer: Marzotto Apparel
Explanation: In 2002, Valentino S.p.A. was acquired by Marzotto Apparel, a Milan-based textile giant, for $210 million.
Who was appointed CEO of Valentino in 2006, succeeding Michele Norsa?
Answer: Stefano Sassi
Explanation: Michele Norsa was CEO from 2002 to 2006, followed by Stefano Sassi who served from 2006 to 2020.
What was the acquisition price when the private equity group Permira gained control of Valentino in 2007?
Answer: €2.6 billion (equivalent to $3.5 billion)
Explanation: Permira's acquisition of Valentino in 2007 represented a significant transaction, valued at approximately 2.6 billion euros ($3.5 billion).
Valentino's 1967 "no colour" collection featured apparel in white, beige, and ivory, eschewing psychedelic patterns and introducing the brand's signature 'V' logo, not its red hue.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1967 "no colour" collection was characterized by its use of neutral tones and the introduction of the 'V' logo, distinct from the brand's later association with its signature red.
In 2007, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were appointed co-creative directors for accessories, while Alessandra Facchinetti was named creative director for women's collections.
Answer: True
Explanation: The year 2007 saw the initial appointment of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli as co-creative directors for accessories, alongside Alessandra Facchinetti's role for womenswear.
The successful "Rockstud" accessory line and "Rockrunner" sneakers were introduced under the creative direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli.
Answer: True
Explanation: The introduction of the iconic "Rockstud" accessories and "Rockrunner" sneakers marked a period of significant commercial success and brand revitalization under the co-creative direction of Chiuri and Piccioli.
In 2016, Maria Grazia Chiuri left Valentino to join Dior, leaving Pierpaolo Piccioli as the sole creative director.
Answer: True
Explanation: The departure of Maria Grazia Chiuri in 2016 to lead Dior's creative direction resulted in Pierpaolo Piccioli becoming the sole creative director of Valentino.
What was distinctive about Valentino's 1967 "no colour" collection?
Answer: It featured apparel in white, beige, and ivory, avoiding psychedelic patterns and introducing the 'V' logo.
Explanation: The 1967 "no colour" collection was characterized by its use of neutral tones and the introduction of the 'V' logo, distinct from the brand's later association with its signature red.
Who assumed the role of creative directors for the entire women's collections in 2008?
Answer: Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli
Explanation: Following Alessandra Facchinetti's departure, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli assumed the role of creative directors for the entire women's collections in 2008.
What significant change occurred in Valentino's creative leadership in 2016?
Answer: Maria Grazia Chiuri left to join Dior, leaving Pierpaolo Piccioli as sole creative director.
Explanation: The departure of Maria Grazia Chiuri in 2016 to lead Dior's creative direction resulted in Pierpaolo Piccioli becoming the sole creative director of Valentino.
Valentino opened its first boutique in China in 2010, located in Shanghai.
Answer: False
Explanation: Valentino established its inaugural boutique in China in 2008, located in Beijing.
Valentino underwent debt restructuring in December 2009 due to a significant increase in production costs.
Answer: False
Explanation: The debt restructuring undertaken by Valentino in late 2009 was a consequence of the broader economic downturn, commonly referred to as the global financial crisis.
Valentino officially ceased the use of fur in its products in 2022 and discontinued the use of alpaca wool in 2020.
Answer: True
Explanation: Valentino has demonstrated a commitment to ethical sourcing by phasing out the use of fur in 2022 and alpaca wool in 2020, citing animal welfare concerns.
The Red Valentino diffusion line concluded its operations following the Fall/Winter 2023 collection.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Red Valentino diffusion line concluded its operations following the Fall/Winter 2023 collection, as part of a strategic refocusing on core brand offerings.
When and where did Valentino establish its first boutique in China?
Answer: 2008 in Beijing
Explanation: Valentino established its inaugural boutique in China in 2008, located in Beijing.
What was the primary reason cited for Valentino's debt restructuring in late 2009?
Answer: The impact of the global financial crisis.
Explanation: The debt restructuring undertaken by Valentino in late 2009 was a consequence of the broader economic downturn, commonly referred to as the global financial crisis.
Which of the following actions demonstrates Valentino's commitment to ethical practices regarding animal products?
Answer: Announcing a fur-free policy in 2022 and ceasing alpaca wool use in 2020.
Explanation: Valentino has demonstrated a commitment to ethical sourcing by phasing out the use of fur in 2022 and alpaca wool in 2020, citing animal welfare concerns.
When was the Red Valentino diffusion line originally launched?
Answer: 2003
Explanation: The Red Valentino diffusion line was launched in 2003 by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli.
What was the approximate contribution of the Red Valentino diffusion line to the Valentino Group's sales by 2015?
Answer: 10%
Explanation: By 2015, the Red Valentino diffusion line accounted for approximately 10 percent of the Valentino Group's total sales.
Which company has managed Valentino's beauty and fragrance licenses since 2018?
Answer: L'Oréal
Explanation: Since 2018, L'Oréal has held the license for Valentino's beauty and fragrance products.
Valentino signed a new 10-year license agreement for eyewear design, manufacture, and distribution with which company in 2021?
Answer: Akoni Group
Explanation: In 2021, Valentino entered into a new 10-year license agreement for its eyewear with the Switzerland-based Akoni Group.
As of 2024, Alessandro Michele serves as the Creative Director, while Jacopo Venturini holds the position of CEO.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jacopo Venturini serves as CEO of Valentino, appointed in 2020. Alessandro Michele was appointed Creative Director in 2024.
In 2012, Valentino was acquired by Mayhoola for Investments, backed by Saudi Arabian investors.
Answer: False
Explanation: The acquisition of Valentino in 2012 by Mayhoola for Investments marked a new chapter, with the investment vehicle being associated with Qatari ownership.
Kering acquired a 30% stake in Valentino in July 2023, with stated intentions for full acquisition by 2028.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kering's strategic investment of a 30% stake in Valentino in July 2023 signals a significant development, with stated intentions for full acquisition by 2028.
Who acquired Valentino in 2012 for 700 million euros?
Answer: Mayhoola for Investments (Qatari aristocrats)
Explanation: The acquisition of Valentino in 2012 by Mayhoola for Investments marked a new chapter, with the investment vehicle being associated with Qatari ownership.
Who purchased a 30% stake in Valentino in July 2023 with stated intentions for full acquisition?
Answer: Kering
Explanation: Kering's strategic investment of a 30% stake in Valentino in July 2023 signals a significant development, with stated intentions for full acquisition by 2028.
Alessandro Michele, appointed Creative Director in March 2024, is primarily recognized for his tenure at which other major fashion house?
Answer: Gucci
Explanation: Alessandro Michele is widely recognized for his transformative work at Gucci, where he redefined the brand's aesthetic during the 2010s.
Valentino has designed wedding dresses for public figures including Princess Diana and Jennifer Lopez.
Answer: False
Explanation: Valentino has designed wedding dresses for notable public figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lopez, and Princess Madeleine of Sweden, among others. Princess Diana is not mentioned in this context.
What was a key observation regarding the critical reception of Alessandro Michele's debut runway show for Valentino's Spring/Summer 2025 collection?
Answer: It was noted for a clear continuation of the aesthetic he developed at Gucci.
Explanation: Critical responses to Alessandro Michele's debut runway show for Valentino (Spring/Summer 2025) frequently highlighted a distinct continuation of the aesthetic he cultivated during his tenure at Gucci.
In May 2025, Valentino Bags Lab, an operational unit, was placed under court judicial administration in Italy for alleged engagement in what practice?
Answer: Worker abuse
Explanation: The placement of Valentino Bags Lab under judicial administration in May 2025 stemmed from allegations of worker abuse within its operations.
Who was selected as the face of Valentino Beauty's new perfume, Voce Viva, launched in 2020?
Answer: Lady Gaga
Explanation: Lady Gaga was chosen as the 'égérie' or face for Valentino Beauty's Voce Viva perfume, launched in 2020.
What controversy arose from Valentino's Spring/Summer 2016 campaign, which was photographed in Kenya?
Answer: It was criticized for perceived racial insensitivity in its depiction of African culture.
Explanation: The Spring/Summer 2016 campaign, set in Kenya and featuring local communities, faced criticism on social media for perceived racial insensitivity in its portrayal of African culture.