Valentino. a Grand Italian Epic - by Matt Tyrnauer & Suzy Menkes (Hardcover)

About the Book

Think Valentino: think luxury. Think elegance. This book traces the illustrious career of fashion's most exciting couturier through copious images from his archives, including drawings, magazine editorial shoots, advertisements, portraits, and documentary photographs to provide an in-depth look at the man, his lifestyle, and his genius.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"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."-- "Der Spiegel"

"A comprehensive account of Valentino, both the man and the brand."-- "W Magazine"

"A fitting tribute to Valentino's enduring genius."-- "Air Magazine"

"A love letter to couture, a delectable visual feast and a definitive tribute to one of fashion's greats."-- "10 Magazine"

"A masterpiece, apt for a history lesson or coffee book."-- "L'OFFICIEL"

"Devoted to all things Valentino."-- "The New York Times"

"Lavishly illustrated."-- "Style Magazine"

"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."-- "Harper's Bazaar"

"This monumental Valentino book is a true Italian fashion epic."-- "Wallpaper*"

"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."-- "Rolling Stone"

"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."-- "Süddeutsche Zeitung"

"The magnificent career of fashion designer Valentino Garavani is showcased across more than 500 pages. An XL treat, not just for fashion fans."-- "Elle"

"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."-- "Deutschlandfunk"

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