Today's post is dedicated to the Italian designer Valentino Garavani, who founded the Valentino fashion house in 1959. He stepped down in 2008, after 49 years of relentless work. The first six photos above contain pieces from his last collection, the Spring Summer 2008 Haute Couture Collection.
As some of you may already know he and his partner launched The Valentino Garavani Archives in December, a virtual museum featuring more than 5000 documents, available to everyone. All you have to do is download it. Just imagine being a young designer and having access to such a treasure and inspiration!
It's not my intention to write the story of his career or going into the details of his design, but just for fun here are a few links for those who are interested:
- a short clip where Valentino talks about the reason for launching the virtual museum
- runway photos of Valentino Garavani's final fashion show, the Spring Summer 2008 Haute Couture Collection
- the story of the Valentino brand on Voguepedia
- DVD: Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008), documentary by Matt Tyrnauer
- the trailer of the documentary, Valentino: The Last Emperor
- a short clip from the documentary: Valentino talking about his childhood dreams with fashion journalist Hilary Alexander
- runway clip from the documentary: AW 2007-08 Haute Couture Collection
- book: Valentino: Themes and Variations by Pamela Golbin
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis wearing Valentino when she married Onassis in 1968 (seen in photo 10 above)
- Julia Roberts in Valentino at the Oscars 2001
- Hamish Bowles picks top ten looks from the Valentino Archives
- introduction video about the archives:
I meant to post this video about the archives in December but the flu got in the way. Then I simply decided to make this post slightly bigger.
I think one can say for certain that all the stylish ladies out there have worn Valentino on more than one occasion; I bet some of you can easily name a few of your favourite looks. The gorgeous outfits to choose from seem almost endless and one post is not nearly enough to cover five decades of work. I'm wrapping this up below with a few of my favourite red carpet and festive looks.
Have a fabulous Friday!
photo credit:
1-2: SS 2008 Haute Couture Collection | Don Ashby for Vogue Italia
3-4: Natalia Vodianova, SS 2008 Haute Couture Collection | Max Weber for Vogue Italia, March 2008
5-6: SS 2008 Haute Couture Collection | Francois Guillot via Guardian
7-8: AW 2007-08 Haute Couture Collection | Olivier Claisse for Vogue Italia
9: Valentino with Diane von Furstenberg in September 2011 when honoured by The Couture Council via Vogue US
10: Marisa Berenson, SS 1968 Haute Couture Collection via Corsets and Trains
11: Marisa Berenson, SS 1968 Haute Couture Collection (Jackie O's wedding dress) via Lexaco
12: Christy Turlington, SS 1993 Haute Couture Collection | Walter Chin for Vogue Italia, March 1993 via here
13: Linda Evangelista, SS 1991 Haute Couture Collection | Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia, May 1991
1-2: SS 2008 Haute Couture Collection | Don Ashby for Vogue Italia
3-4: Natalia Vodianova, SS 2008 Haute Couture Collection | Max Weber for Vogue Italia, March 2008
5-6: SS 2008 Haute Couture Collection | Francois Guillot via Guardian
7-8: AW 2007-08 Haute Couture Collection | Olivier Claisse for Vogue Italia
9: Valentino with Diane von Furstenberg in September 2011 when honoured by The Couture Council via Vogue US
10: Marisa Berenson, SS 1968 Haute Couture Collection via Corsets and Trains
11: Marisa Berenson, SS 1968 Haute Couture Collection (Jackie O's wedding dress) via Lexaco
12: Christy Turlington, SS 1993 Haute Couture Collection | Walter Chin for Vogue Italia, March 1993 via here
13: Linda Evangelista, SS 1991 Haute Couture Collection | Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia, May 1991
YouTube: Coming Soon: The Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum
Voilà!
left: Diane Kruger, Venice Film Festival 2008, SS 2007 Haute Couture via Vogue US
right: Natalia Vodianova, Love Ball 2011 | Stephane Feugere for Vogue US
right: Natalia Vodianova, Love Ball 2011 | Stephane Feugere for Vogue US
left: Sarah Jessica Parker, Valentino 45th Anniversary Celebration 2007, AW 2006-07 Haute Couture Collection
Getty/WireImage via Vogue US
right: Keira Knightley, Golden Globes 2006, SS 2006 Collection | Donato Sardella for Style.com
Getty/WireImage via Vogue US
right: Keira Knightley, Golden Globes 2006, SS 2006 Collection | Donato Sardella for Style.com
I think he is absolutely gorgeous! Such a fabulous & immaculate eye for detail and for enhancing a woman's assets. And all those of luscious details - heavenly. I read somewhere (can't remember where) there were talks to film his life as a musical - can you imagine? Wouldn't that be great...
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So much gorgeous fashion packed into one post. Of course I'm loving the pink!! Happy Friday, Lisa! xo
ReplyDeleteHe is such a perfectionist, almost over the top perfectionist! :) I loved the documentary about him very much, so inspirational and wonderful to see what happens behind the sceenes. x
ReplyDeleteYes, love his clothes - all the details and the elegant touch. Wish I could afford to buy a dress from him..! :-)
ReplyDeleteLisa, what a wonderful post! I admire his work so much. Believe or not, I haven't seen that documentary yet. I'm putting it on the list as I was just about to order a few dvds on Amazon (material for my fashion in the movies posts, wink). I think Julia Robert's dress is one of the most stylish and beautiful ever. xo
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely incredible! I love how he's been able to share his gift with the world.
ReplyDeleteGreat presentation but he's not dead yet. Still more pieces to be created
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I swoon at all this fabulousness! Never mind owning a Valentino dress, I'd love to just try one on. Good luck prying it off me though ;p Btw I also suffer from a Paris obsession lol.
ReplyDeletethe detailing on his clothes was amazing!!! have a nice one!
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous, I think my favorite Valentino has to be Anne Hathaway's red dress she wore a few years ago, the rosette one (around the time of the Devil Wears Prada, I think it was featured in the movie also).
ReplyDeleteWhat a great presentation Lisa! Yes, I love his designs. Lately, I am inspired to read more about the famous designer and watch their documentaries. This post is perfect timing! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is obviously a man born with a talent and vision. What a spectacular array of ensembles.
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