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.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"We'll mist up every time we pass our coffee table...Halard does an exquisite job in bringing Valentino's masterful works to the page, and Golbin...provides concise, reverential text to complement the arresting images." --LA Confidential Review
"This tome includes stunning photography of fabric samples as well as lively, backstage images of fittings minutes before models walked out onto the runway." ~Florida InsideOut Review
"Original sketches, behind-the-scenes runway images, photos of fittings, and the atelier at work, as well as his ad campaigns over the years, celebrate this legendary talent in all his glory." ~Southern Accents Review
"The remarkable 50-year career of Valentino, founder of the first couture house to be recognized by the French government outside of Paris, is given the coffee table treatment in a lavish new book..." ~Luxist.com
"The new book is a collector's item and a keepsake for every devoted fan of Valentino and the fashion industry." ~Hautemimi.com
"This tome includes stunning photography of fabric samples as well as lively, backstage images of fittings minutes before models walked out onto the runway." ~Florida InsideOut Review
"Original sketches, behind-the-scenes runway images, photos of fittings, and the atelier at work, as well as his ad campaigns over the years, celebrate this legendary talent in all his glory." ~Southern Accents Review
"The remarkable 50-year career of Valentino, founder of the first couture house to be recognized by the French government outside of Paris, is given the coffee table treatment in a lavish new book..." ~Luxist.com
"The new book is a collector's item and a keepsake for every devoted fan of Valentino and the fashion industry." ~Hautemimi.com
Review
"This tome includes stunning photography fo fabric samples as well as lively, backstage images of fittings minutes before models walked out onto the runway."
"This tome includes stunning photography of fabric samples as well as lively, backstage images of fittings minutes before models walked out onto the runway."
"This tome includes stunning photography of fabric samples as well as lively, backstage images of fittings minutes before models walked out onto the runway."
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Eileen S.
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The photographs in this book are just spectacular, as much as they can do the clothing pieces justice. The cover photo is an example of the gorgeous detail you get in all the photos. Sumptuous feast for the eyes and a tribute to the true genious of Valentino. All 5 decades are covered from the 1960's to the millenium and beyond. Most of the pieces are featured on manequins and some by actual models. There are also some pictures of Valentino over the years, including my favorite - one with Jackie Kennedy Onassis. I will enjoy this book for years to come.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By David M.
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This a great overview of Valentino and a very good exhibition catalog. The key to any good monograph is having recent and detailed photographs of the clothing both full view and close-up, this has both. The text is light and I would have liked to know more about the individual pieces. Combined with the catalog for "Valentino A Roma" an exhibition that took place at the Ara Pacis in Rome you have a full view of the mastery that is Valentino.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Amaranth
Format:Hardcover
"Valentino: Themes and Variations" is a stylish,sleek introduction to one of the world's foremost haute couture designers. His couture projects a world of elegance and savoir faire. This book takes the reader behind the scenes of his runway shows, and talks about his private world--from his longtime boyfriend to the creation of his clothes. "Valentino" turns clothing,a necessary element of daily life,into works of art. There is refinement and grace. "Valentino" is a feast for the eyes.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
A very elegant book in content and format. The colors are ravishing, the photos magnificent. All the glamour in the palm of your hands....
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By V. bulmer
Format:Hardcover
This book is a wonderful book. Loads of beautiful pictures of Valentino's fashions along with information on his designs.
Ginnie
Ginnie
10 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Chic Savage
Format:Hardcover
Unlike Ms. Goblin's "Balenciaga Paris" volume posing as it was as an exhibition catalogue, this one is a wonderful feast for the senses. Mr. Valentino has created some of the most glorious creations for genuine Women of Style and he will be missed as a force in the diminished world of Haute Couture. If you wear or admire Haute Couture, this is a must have volume for your library.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Katie
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book was what I hoped for, large images of the beautiful work done by Valentino and his crew. When I finished going through the book I found myself wishing there were even more pictures of vintage gowns. Really good coffee table book. I didn't read any of the written parts, but have really enjoyed the pictures.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By K. Lipio
Format:Hardcover
Have always thought that one of the best reason for Valentino's success is his ability to make a couture dress lovely and yet bring out the femenine side of a woman. And in this book he is proven right and deserves all the fame he has.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nadia
I bought it for my mom on her birthday. She loves to watch fashion shows from Italian designer.
She found this book to wonderful and the pictures just beautiful.. Read more
She found this book to wonderful and the pictures just beautiful.. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Nadia Simeone
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love it!
Wonderful and colorful book! A-level paper and print. I've got it today in the morning, can't wait to open it tonight after work!
Published 5 months ago by Daria Galaieva
5.0 out of 5 stars
BEST GIFT 4 SELF/OTHERS
This was THE best gift I could've ever given myself; let alone had someone else given it to me. Valentino is a genius. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Katya Rozetka
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Fashion Piece-
Book came on time, damaged on edges, I imagne bc of size, excellent book-
Looking forward to finish reading ti. Love Valentino...
Looking forward to finish reading ti. Love Valentino...
Published 22 months ago by NelRocks
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
This book is essentially a catalogue of the work of Valentino and the celebrities and fashion icons that he dressed. Read more
Published on March 20, 2011 by HP2210
4.0 out of 5 stars
Valentino: Themes and Variations
The images and information contained in this book are a great insperation to any upcoming designer or pattern maker.
Lovely photos & some great close up details.
Lovely photos & some great close up details.
Published on January 19, 2011 by stitch
4.0 out of 5 stars
Must-buy
If you're lover of fashion, it is a must-buy! Everything from the exhibition is in this book, from the sketches to the amazing outfits.
Published on January 15, 2011 by Fashion-lover
5.0 out of 5 stars
Valentino:Themes and Variations
Beautiful book - purchased after visiting the exhibition. Will be a treasure to keep.
Published on October 27, 2010 by pv
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Perfect Gift
My daughter is a fashion designer who also collects books on the subject. This makes for an easy gift idea each birthday. Read more
Published on June 22, 2010 by K-Mom
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