Valentino co-founder Giancarlo Giammetti remembers friend Audrey Hepburn on the 28th anniversary of her death with rare personal photographs
- Valentino co-founder Giancarlo Giammetti shared photos of Audrey Hepburn
- Personal snaps mark the 28th anniversary of the actress's death
- Hepburn was a friend of Giammetti and his business partner ValentinoValentino co-founder Giancarlo Giammetti paid tribute to his friend Audrey Hepburn on the 28th anniversary of her death.
Giammetti, 82, the business partner and former lover of Valentino Garavani, with whom he co-founded the Italian fashion house, shared a series of personal snaps on Instagram over the weekend.
The photographs show Giammetti and a typically elegant Hepburn chatting on the sofa during a quiet evening in and the British actress at Valentino's side during the Arts Against AIDS charity gala in 1991.
Behind the scenes: Valentino co-founder Giancarlo Giammetti paid tribute to his friend Audrey Hepburn on the 28th anniversary of her death. Giammetti, 82, shared personal snaps including this one of he and a typically chic Hepburn chatting on the sofa during a quiet night in
Tribute: Giancarlo marked the occasion with this note remembering Hepburn's generosity
The images were shared with the caption: 'Dear Audrey already 29 years that you left us .. but you memories are always with us as your art, your smiles and your generosity #audreyhepburn.'Hepburn, who died of colon cancer in 1993, was a friend of Valentino and Giammetti and wore designs by the Italian house both on and off screen, including in the 1963 film Charade. However the actress was most closely associated with French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy.
Despite his low profile, Mr Giammetti has managed to surround himself with a dazzling social circle that any celebrity would envy. Close friends include Gwyneth Paltrow, Claudia Schiffer and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece.
Friends: Giammetti shared this photo of Valentino and Hepburn at a 1991 AIDS charity dinner
Inspiration: Valentino dressed Hepburn both on and off the screen, including in 1963 film Charade. However the actress is best known for her association with designer Givenchy
In November last year the businessman shared unseen photographs of Princess Diana on board the Valentino T.M.Blue One yacht in September 1990, two years before her separation from Prince Charles.
The photos, which show the suntanned princess posing with Mr Valentino and Kyril, Prince of Preslav, quickly swept the internet and were met with delight by royal followers desperate for any glimpse into the life of the late princess.
Giammetti and Valentino founded the Valentino label in 1960 and sold the brand in 1998 for $300million. Valentino designed his last collection in 2008.
Throwback: In November the businessman shared unseen photographs of Princess Diana on board the Valentino T.M.Blue One yacht in September 1990, two years before her separation from Prince Charles. Pictured, Diana with Valentino and Kyril, Prince of Preslav
The pair had a 12-year romantic relationship but that transitioned into one of 'fraternal love' several decades ago.
'It's a relationship with nothing sexual in it,' Giammetti said in a 2004 interview. 'Yet a great love remains, ancient, surviving.'
The pair have often said the key to their enduring relationship is having space from each other.
Family affair: The photos capture social events that have been few and far between this year. Last year Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece was guest of honour at a formal dinner celebrating her birthday. Pictured, Giancarlo with Marie-Chantal's daughter Olympia
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