Valentino. A Grand Italian Epic

For almost half a century Valentino dominated Italian haute couture dressing the worlds wealthiest and most glamorous women. Only a few years after opening his fashion house in Rome in 1959 Valentino could already count Elizabeth Taylor Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn among his devotees. Despite his retirement in 2007 little has changed; his brand continues to thrive and prosper and is worn by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez. Valentino has always designed magnificent gowns never wavering from his signature style despite fads like grunge deconstruction and minimalism.This book traces Valentinos illustrious career through copious images from his archives including drawings magazine editorial shoots advertisements portraits and documentary photographs. Presented chronologically the visual material is accompanied by a vast array of newspaper and magazine articles about Valentino throughout the years. Combined they provide an in-depth look at the man his lifestyle and his genius.Following the limited Collectors and Art Editions this standard edition puts Valentinos haute couture glamour within reach at a ready-to-wear price point.