Valentino: Themes and Variations

by Pamela Golbin, Valentino Garavani (Contributor)

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 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.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Art, Coffee Table Books, Biography

300 pages, Hardcover

First published September 9, 2008

Reviews

[Carlotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mesmerising dive into Valentino's main motifs and style.
Plus: amazing photos and wonderful clothes!

[Yona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun to flip through and a little informative, but I had a few gripes.

First, I don’t feel that the page was used to its full advantage. There was a lot of wasted white space, especially toward the end, which was all reproductions of magazine content displayed with wide margins at small size. (I also couldn’t see much of the clothes themselves in those reproductions.)

Second, I wish there were more context given for each of the designs that were featured in the first half of the book.

Third, I feel like half of the quotes from Valentino are kinda empty. He’s not a wordsmith, sure, but then don’t quote his circular ramblings like they’re super deep and let the work speak for itself.

Nevertheless, I did enjoy getting to see some pieces I hadn’t before! The pieces with flowers inside puffy lace sleeves were incredible.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful photography and details included

[Diannehergenrotheryahoo.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. Beautiful. Clothes are fantastic. So many pictures of the clothes. Up close so u can see the techniques. So special. Loved it.

[Jaimie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though this book purports to explore the range of themes, styles, and inspirations behind Valentino's work I found it rather lacklustre. There were sections which covered lines, patterns, and motifs, but I didn't feel that any of them were accurate representations of the couturier's acheivements. Maybe the pieces chosen weren't special in-and-of themselves or there simply weren't enough of them shown to represent themes properly, but I am sure that Valentino is much more than this book paints him to be!

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous coffee table book, beautiful photographs and information on the themes and variations in several seasons worth of fashion from the Valentino fashion house. Great for thumbing through when you need inspiration on a special day