Valentino's Shampoo: How Philip Martin's Maple Wash Made It into Harper's Bazaar

Quick answer: In 2011, fashion designer Valentino Garavani named Philip Martin's Maple Wash as part of his daily routine in a Harper's Bazaar interview. The brand had no idea the mention was coming — the designer was simply a loyal customer.

A phone call nobody believed

The story starts with a call to the Philip Martin's office. The caller said Valentino was on the line. Company president Mauro Trimigliozzi assumed it was a prank and joked back that he was Roberto Baggio, the Italian football star.

It was no joke. Valentino was moving to Beverly Hills and could no longer pick up his favourite products from his hairdresser in Rome. So he ordered 12 litres of Maple Wash and Maple Rinse straight from the source.

The Harper's Bazaar mention

That same year, Harper's Bazaar ran "24 Hours with Valentino", an hour-by-hour look at the designer's day — from breakfast and his tailored Caraceni suits to his six pugs and late-night films. Describing his morning shower, he listed his shampoo: "a mild shampoo, Maple Wash, from a small Italian company, Philip Martin's."

No sponsorship, no press release. Philip Martin's found out only when the article came out.

What is Maple Wash?

Maple Wash is Philip Martin's moisturising shampoo for dry and frizzy hair, built around maple extract. It cleanses gently while restoring hydration, which makes it suitable for frequent use. It is usually paired with Maple Rinse, the matching hydrating mask — the same duo Valentino ordered.

Why it still matters

A designer known for his obsession with detail chose a small Italian brand for something as personal as his daily hair care. For Philip Martin's, it remains a quiet proof of what the brand is built on: Italian craftsmanship, gentle formulas and results people return to.

FAQ

Did Valentino really use Philip Martin's? Yes. He named Maple Wash in his 2011 Harper's Bazaar interview and ordered the products directly from the company.

Which Philip Martin's products did Valentino use? Maple Wash shampoo and Maple Rinse mask.

Was the Harper's Bazaar mention paid? No. According to Philip Martin's, the designer mentioned the brand without telling the company.

Who is Maple Wash for? Anyone with dry, frizzy or dehydrated hair who wants a mild shampoo for regular use.