I have never been a follower of fashioner, as the old Donovan song said, but I just watched a 2008 special on Valentino, The Last Emperor and for anyone in the fashion world a true icon. I thought I knew what creativity was, but I have been wrong for a lot of years – this was genius.
The show I just watched on Foxtel, primarily because the Rugby League season is winding up, was a revelation, and a great happen-stance as so often happens. The show featured Valentino Garavani – Valentino to the World, and his life long time muse Giancarlo Giammetti, who was clearly a creative genius as in his own way.
The show featured the 45th anniversary of a remarkable career, that has to be seen to be believed. Valentino set unbelievable new heights in fashion, but it was also the organisation by Giancarlo of this testament to his friend’s career that shows off creativity at its most awesome.
The focus, the attention to detail, the listening to the master and his wise words, and the adjustment by the many creative people that made it all happen is superb. There are many lessons here for every sort of business leader, most of which I am sorry to say will fall on deaf ears as they seek quick wins and midiocrity.
What is even more poignant is that within a few months of this ultimate success, Valentino was forced to move on and within 2 years, it seems what he built has been ruined by small minded short-term thinkers, although there was a final footnote saying a couple of his apprentices have taken over – I wish them all the best.
Creativity is a gift very few inherit and then develop – Valentino and Giammetti were two extraordinary people who clearly did. As a humble promoter of creative thinking – now more humble than ever, I long for the day when creative thinking can be even better understood and practiced by everyone.
This is particularly so for the important people in our world – political and business leaders, young high potential men and women, scientists, entrepreneurs, volunteers and anyone focussed on making a difference. I wish us all success.
Watch this show if you want your spirit to fly, and then dive as you realises greatness is rare.
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