Valentino. A Grand Italian Epic

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 Condé 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 Légion 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 Schön. 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.

Review :
“A Grand Italian Epic: there could be no better title for this book about Valentino Garavani... The fascinating contributions by Suzy Menkes and Matt Tyrnauer complement the visual concept of the book... Anyone interested in the creative process and mastery of a gifted craftsman can leaf through 45 years of clothes and design sketches and conclude that, for him, fashion is an expression of beauty, not provocation – and his evening dresses are the most beautiful in the world.” “Lavishly illustrated.” “A love letter to couture, a delectable visual feast and a definitive tribute to one of fashion’s greats.” “Devoted to all things Valentino.” “A comprehensive account of Valentino, both the man and the brand.” “The book proves Valentino was just as riveting as his glamorous designs, as evidenced in every cheeky image of Valentino in his studio and each styled photograph of his iconic swathed tulle roses.” “A masterpiece, apt for a history lesson or coffee book.” “This monumental Valentino book is a true Italian fashion epic.” “A fitting tribute to Valentino's enduring genius.” “This is a book of substance! Not only because it weighs a good four kilos, but also because it presents a comprehensive overview of the life’s work of one of the greatest fashion designers. All this is documented by magnificent, often overwhelming photo series... A celebration of life. That is another reason why this is a book of substance.” “Valentino. A Grand Italian Epic uses archive material to explore the life and work of a man whose signature style continues to define haute couture today... The visual material is complemented by articles and essays that contextualize Valentino's influence on culture, society, and fashion history. A look behind the scenes.” “A book celebrates couturier Valentino... His friendships with Sophia Loren and Liz Taylor, his passion as an art collector, castle owner, and interior designer, along with his illustrious circle of acquaintances and matching breed of dog, provide enough material for 290 pages of biographical notes, marginalia, and anecdotes... With VG, the publisher has drawn from a rich source.” “The magnificent career of fashion designer Valentino Garavani is showcased across more than 500 pages. An XL treat, not just for fashion fans.” “A fitting tribute to the work of Valentino, this book is pure red carpet material.”