Valentino: Themes and Variations

The name Valentino has been synonymous with high fashion for almost fifty years. Based in Rome, Valentino is only one of two couture houses recognized by the French government outside of Paris. His exquisite designs are coveted and worn by young Hollywood and high society the world over. On the occasion of his last couture collection, presented in Paris in the spring of 2008, this landmark book celebrates forty-five years of Valentino s remarkable career. Published in association with a prestigious exhibition at the Museé des Arts Decoratifs s famed costume department in Paris, this volume focuses on Valentino s haute couture creations, highlighting the most important and iconic creations of his half-century in fashion through recurring themes in Valentino s work variations on the ideas of volume, line, and texture as well as motifs such as geometry, pleats, and flowers through new photography, sketches, fabric samples, and commentary on the dresses by Valentino himself. In add ition, unprecedented photography by François Halard of Valentino s last fittings and backstage of his runway show reveals Valentino s private world for the first time. "Valentino On Valentino," a chapter of first-person accounts of the designs of these iconic dresses, along with Valentino s commentary on his fashion, will make this publication unique in the study of Valentino as a cultural and artistic icon.

Rezension:

We ll mist up every time we pass our coffee table Halard does an exquisite job in bringing Valentino s masterful works to the page, and Golbin provides concise, reverential text to complement the arresting images. ~LA Confidential

"This tome includes stunning photography of fabric samples as well as lively, backstage images of fittings minutes before models walked out onto the runway." ~Florida InsideOut

"Original sketches, behind-the-scenes runway images, photos of fittings, and the atelier at work, as well as his ad campaigns over the years, celebrate this legenday talent in all his glory."
~Southern Accents

"Perfect for the most glamorous person in your life..." ~Private Clubs Magazine

"The remarkable 50-year career of Valentino, founder of the first couture house to be recognized by the French government outside of Paris, is given the coffee table treatment in a lavish new book..."~Luxist.com

"The new book is a collector's item and a keepsake for every devoted fan of Valentino and the fashion industry." ~Hautemimi.com

"The book isn't just a retrospective, but the essence of Haute Couture." ~Lepetitechic.com

"Valentino is synonymous with timeless elegance. From a distance many of his designs appear simple and understated, but the details are always stunning. This book celebrates forty-five years of an outstanding career." ~Bookriot.com