I know what women want. They want to be beautiful.
The words of Valentino Garavani, master of elegance and weaver of garments, ring with both simplicity and depth: “I know what women want. They want to be beautiful.” At first they seem light, even frivolous, but within them is hidden the ancient truth that beauty is not mere vanity, but a longing of the soul to be seen, cherished, and affirmed. To desire beauty is to desire recognition, to radiate outward the dignity that dwells within.
The ancients praised beauty not only of form but of spirit. Sappho, the poetess of Lesbos, wrote of beauty as the flame that ignites love, while Plato in his dialogues declared that beauty is the path that leads the soul upward toward the divine. When Valentino speaks, he does not mean only jewels and silk, but the timeless yearning of women to embody harmony, grace, and presence—to shine in their fullness before the world.
Consider the life of Cleopatra, queen of Egypt. Her beauty was not in features alone, but in the aura she created through wit, voice, and regal bearing. She adorned herself not out of vanity but as a tool of power, diplomacy, and allure. In her, as in Valentino’s words, we see that to be beautiful is not a shallow wish, but a weapon, a shield, and sometimes a crown. Women have known this truth across the centuries: beauty is strength made visible.
Valentino, as a fashion designer, devoted his life to helping women reveal this inner light through the art of dress. His words remind us that beauty is not forced from without, but drawn forth from within—magnified by fabric, color, and form. The longing “to be beautiful” is not a weakness, but an affirmation of self-worth, a claim to visibility in a world that too often silences or overlooks women.
Let the generations remember: the pursuit of beauty is not shameful, but noble when it springs from the soul’s desire to reveal its radiance. To be beautiful is to declare, “I am here, I matter, I shine.” Valentino’s wisdom, though spoken in the language of fashion, speaks to a truth as old as civilization—that beauty, in women and in all humanity, is not only adornment, but a pathway to power, love, and immortality.
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This quote seems to boil down a complex and multifaceted experience to a single, one-dimensional desire: beauty. But isn't it a bit reductive to say that women only want to be beautiful? What about their ambitions in education, careers, or social causes? This perspective can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, reducing women to their looks rather than acknowledging the full spectrum of their identity. Shouldn't we broaden the conversation around what women truly want?
KTKanao Tsuyuri
I wonder, does Valentino believe this is the defining factor of a woman's desires? It's an interesting take, but it oversimplifies what many women truly desire in life. Women can want to be beautiful, yes, but isn't it also about wanting to be heard, empowered, and respected? We need to challenge the idea that beauty is the central goal in life, and look at how diverse women's wants and needs are in reality.
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While it's true that many women may desire to feel beautiful, does it not also reflect society's narrow view of beauty? The idea that beauty is the ultimate goal can lead to self-esteem issues, especially when external expectations are placed above inner qualities. Shouldn't we be teaching women that their worth is defined by much more than their appearance? Isn't this quote a bit of a disservice to the diversity of women's aspirations?
MPThuy Mai Phuong
Valentino's quote seems to reflect a narrow perspective on what women want, implying that their main goal is to conform to beauty standards. But is beauty the ultimate goal for women? What about career success, independence, and empowerment? The desire to be beautiful should be understood in a broader context, recognizing that women, like anyone, have diverse aspirations beyond just their looks. Should we reconsider the importance of other qualities in defining success?
HTHanto Tokoyami
This quote feels like a reflection of the fashion industry's long-standing focus on physical appearance. While beauty is undeniably important in many cultures, this comment seems overly simplistic. Do women only desire to be beautiful, or is there more to their desires and self-worth? Isn't it important to recognize that beauty standards are constantly evolving and can be defined by the individual rather than dictated by society or fashion icons?