For almost half a century Valentino dominated Italian haute couture, dressing the world's 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 Valentino's 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.

About the Author
Matt Tyrnauer is Special Correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine, where he has written and edited numerous features over the years. Among them are stories on Martha Stewart, Siegfried & Roy, Frank Gehry, Merv Griffin, and Valentino. He lives in Los Angeles. Unquestionably a leader in the global fashion press, Suzy Menkes was International Vogue Editor at Conde Nast International and she is a leading Instagram influencer. Among the world's most influential fashion critics, she is an officer of the Order of the British Empire as well as a chevalier of the Legion d'Honneur. She lives and works in London and Paris. Armando Chitolina worked as a design consultant and art director at Vogue Italia and L'Uomo Vogue, and image consultant for fashion houses Moschino and Mila Schoen. His TASCHEN titles include William Claxton's Jazz Seen, Gian Paolo Barbieri's Equator, The Book of Tiki, Naked as a Jaybird and Valentino: A Grand Italian Epic.

Reviews
"A fitting tribute to the work of Valentino, this book is pure red carpet material." * i-D *



Book Information
ISBN 9783754400692
Author Matt Tyrnauer
Format Hardback
Page Count 576
Imprint Taschen GmbH
Publisher Taschen GmbH
Weight(grams) 4536g