An act of beauty is an act of hope

I learned the joy that comes from being devoted to beauty. Not just observing beauty but by creating it, and understanding it and treasuring it and valuing it. If you want to see beauty in the world, it’s not a passive thing, you actually have to engage with it, and an act of beauty is an act of hope.

Valentino was more than just a friend, he was my family. He made my wedding dress for me. I didn’t ask, he just offered. We spent so much time together. I went on vacations with him. We had so many dinners, so many laughs. 

From him what I learned was, the joy that comes from being devoted to beauty. Not just observing beauty but by creating it, and understanding it and treasuring it and valuing it. And knowing that if you want to see beauty in the world, it’s not a passive thing, you actually have to engage with it, and an act of beauty is an act of hope. 

And I just felt that he lived his life with such joy, and such good humour and he had the most unbelievably vibrant spirit. And I got to be his dear, dear friend for 20 years and he changed my life. 

— Actress Ann Hathaway talking about Valentino
Stephen Colbert Late Show, 25 April 2026

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Valentino Garavani was an Italian fashion designer who founded the Valentino luxury fashion house and served as its creative director from 1960 until 2007. He died in January 2026, and was known for his high fashion designs and Valentino Red signature colour.

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