Valentino. A Grand Italian Epic

For nearly half a century Valentino was a dominant name in Italian haute couture and dressed some of the world’s wealthiest and most talked-about women. Soon after he founded his fashion house in Rome in 1959, names such as Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn were among his clients. Even after his retirement in 2007 the legacy lives on and the brand continues to be worn by international stars.

Throughout his career Valentino remained true to his design language. With his characteristic silhouettes and magnificent gowns he remained steadfast even when fashion moved toward grunge, deconstruction and minimalism. His designs have always been about elegance, craftsmanship and a clear aesthetic vision.

The book follows Valentino’s distinguished career through rich imagery from his archive, including sketches, fashion magazines, campaigns, portraits and documentary photographs. The material is presented chronologically and supplemented with newspaper articles that show how he and his creations have been noticed over the years. Together they provide an in-depth portrait of the designer, his lifestyle and his significance for fashion history.