Required Reading: Valentino: Themes and Variations

The legacy of Valentino continues on. The new book, Valentino: Themes and Variations (Rizzoli) by Pamela Golbin with commentary from Valentino himself chronicles the history of the house as well as an in depth look of the inspirations behind the designs. The new book is a collector's item and a keepsake for every devoted fan of Valentino and the fashion industry. Find out more about the book here.
Valentino aka,Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani, became interested in fashion while in middle school in his native Voghera, Lombardy, Italy, when he apprenticed under his uncle Rosa and local designer Ernestina Salvadeo, an aunt of noted artist Aldo Giorgini).

At 17 Valentino moved to Paris to pursue this interest with the help of his mother Teresa de Biaggi and his father Mauro Garavani. There he studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts and at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.Valentino's international debut took place in 1962 in Florence, the Italian fashion capital of the time. His first show at the Pitti Palace was welcomed as a true revelation and the young couturier was submerged by orders from foreign buyers and enthusiastic comments on the press.

After the breakthrough show in Florence, Valentino started to dress the ladies of the international best-dressed crowd such as his acquaintance from the Paris years Countess Jacqueline de Ribes and New York socialites Babe Paley and Jayne Wrightsman.

In 1966, confident of his client base, he moved his shows from Florence to Rome and there, two years later, he had one of his greatest triumphs, an all-white collection, which became famous for the "V" logo he designed. Valentino's style can be seen as much more conservative and fixed. His concept of elegance and allure is basically an exercise in glamour for the sake of glamour itself. He will truly be missed. -Phillip R

Biography of Enrico Converi by Vanessa Lee

The name on everyone’s lips is Enrico Coveri, the Italian designer is known for his iconic bold and striking designs of which have caught the attention of the likes of Vogue and Elle UK. Born in Prato, Italy in 1952 Enrico studied stage design at the Accademi delle Belle in Florence for a few years before moving into freelance design. Working particularly with sportswear and knitwear, he became known for his use of pastel tones., use of detailing such as sequins and love of fine quality material. Some of his clients included Touche, Tycos and Lux Sports.

However his passion to start his own busines took over and he opened his first place in Milan in 1981, which followed me several more stores across the country and finally New York which included perfumes and furniture. However his main line was a ready-to-wear line for woman, males and kids with bags, shoes, bags and hats. Along the way Enrico won the Uomo Europeo award, Rome, 1982 and Fil d'Or award, Munich, 1982. He continued successfully running his business until his death in 1990 at the young age of 38 years old. However his business was continued by his family and under the charge of his sister the collections to come reflected on his own unique style and legacy.His influence and trademark style has inspired the likes of Louise Goldin and Jonathan Saunders.

Pucci Printed

Though Paris, France is often considered the European home of all things fashion, Italy has produced quite a throng of haute couture clothiers. Dating back to the 1800’s, Italy has been the home of expensive, genuine designs, and particularly leather goods. Italian fashion exploded in the early 1900's!

Emilio Pucci changed the worlds view on Italian fashion forever. Originally a ski wear designer, Pucci’s introduction into the couture world was somewhat unexpected. After his ski wear designs appeared in “Harper’s Bazaar” in 1948, the exposure prompted Pucci to create a women’s haute couture line. Featuring silk dresses with pop art designs that were funky, bold, and colorful, Pucci became an instant “it” designer. Throughout the following decades, Pucci created a lingerie lines, swimwear lines, and even a designed stewardess uniforms for an international airline! No matter what the design may be, they were all quintessentially “Pucci,” with colorful kaleidoscopic flair.

With boutiques all over the world, desirable clothing and accessory lines (there’s even a Pucci PlayStation device carrying case!) Pucci’s legacy has definitely lived on since his death in the early 1990’s. It continues to be one of the most recognizable brands today.

Pucci air hostess uniform a: picture circa 1965

A look from Emilio Pucci Ready-to-wear Spring 2008

That's Haute

Italian Sensuality

Milan is by far the sexiest and most risque fashion capital. I think for me, Italian fashion means extremely well tailored clothing that fits your body as if it were second skin. Rich colors and brights prints are an Italian staple. Just think Versace with murderous cocktail dresses that skim the body perfectly. Roberto Cavalli makes gaudy chic. Dolce and Gabbana's bustier dress really sums up Italian fashion for me, as does a mini Pucci dress or scarf paired with over sized sunglasses. The main things to take from the Italians is that it's all in the fit, don't be scared of prints (but make sure they are luxe), and last but not least head to toe black, navy, plum or any midnight shade for that matter is a very fabulous thing.