Taschen Valentino. A Grand Italian Epic

Genius, Glamour, and Magnificent Gowns
Valentino Garavani: The Icon of Italian Couture

For nearly five decades, Valentino Garavani reigned supreme in the world of Italian haute couture, dressing the most elegant and influential women across the globe. Just a few years after launching his fashion house in Rome in 1959, he had already captivated style icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, and Audrey Hepburn. Though he officially retired in 2007, Valentino’s legacy endures—his brand remains a staple on red carpets, embraced by modern-day stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez.

Uncompromising in his vision, Valentino is celebrated for his opulent, exquisitely crafted gowns. While fashion trends shifted—through grunge, deconstruction, and minimalism—he remained devoted to timeless elegance and unmistakable glamour.

Taschen Valentino. A Grand Italian Epic, offers a rich retrospective of Valentino’s extraordinary career, featuring a treasure trove of images from his personal archives: sketches, editorial spreads, advertisements, portraits, and candid documentary photos. Organized chronologically, the visuals are accompanied by decades of press coverage, capturing the essence of Valentino’s artistry, lifestyle, and enduring influence in the fashion world.

Hardcover, 9.8 x 13.1 in., 10.06 lb, 576 pages