Valentino: Themes and Variations

by Pamela Golbin

http://amazon.com/dp/0847831728

The name Valentino, one of only two couture houses outside of Paris recognized by the French government, has been synonymous with high fashion for almost 50 years. The designer’s exquisite creations are coveted and worn by young Hollywood and high society the world over. This landmark book celebrates 45 years of Valentino’s remarkable career. Published in association with a prestigious exhibition at the Museé des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, it 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, with new photography, sketches, fabric samples, and commentary on the dresses by Valentino himself. In addition, 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.