Valentino believes he owes his fashion career to Jackie Kennedy.

In new movie Valentino: The Last Emperor - a documentary on the style guru’s fashion empire - the hot-headed Italian admits his success was down to president John Kennedy’s stylish wife wearing his clothes in the 60s. The coveted designer - real name Valentino Garavani - said, “She was the lady who made Valentino, and I made hundreds of dresses for her.”

The 78-year-old icon - who stepped down as the fashion house’s creative director two years ago - also admits his favorite creation was the famous black and white gown worn by Julia Roberts when she picked up her Best Actress Oscar in 2001.

“I saw it on TV. If movie stars love your clothes, that’s very important to me.”

According to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, the film also highlights Valentino’s eccentric and lavish lifestyle. Shot two years before he left the fashion house in 2008 after 45 years, the fly-on-the-wall film documents the legendary fashion designer’s six luxury homes, 150-foor yacht and five pet pugs. It also features his famous temper - which he admits he doesn’t care fans seeing - because it has made him who he is.

“There were moments of anger, but I was completely myself from beginning to end. That’s how I am. I wanted to show who I am, because I couldn’t care less.” The film, directed by Vanity Fair journalist Matt Tyrnauer, was shot on a $1.2million budget.