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, he could already count Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, and Audrey Hepburn among his devotees. Despite his retirement in 2008 and death in 2026, little has changed – his brand continues to thrive and prosper, worn by celebrities like Emma Roberts, Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, and Lady Gaga. Valentino consistently designed magnificent gowns, never wavering from his signature style, despite trends like grunge, deconstruction, and minimalism, or the unstoppable rise of athleisure. This book traces his illustrious career through copious images from his personal archives, including drawings, editorial shoots for magazines, advertisements, portraits, and documentary photography. Presented chronologically, the sumptuous visual archive is accompanied by a vast array of newspaper and magazine articles about Valentino throughout the years. Combined, they provide a richly detailed portrait of the man, his milieu, and his enduring creative legacy.
