30 April 2025  A Monument Revisited in Fashion PublishingTASCHEN, the acclaimed German art book publisher known for its richly illustrated and expertly produced volumes across art, photography, fashion, and design, will reissue Valentino. A Grand Italian Epic in June 2025. First published in 2009, this new edition brings fresh relevance to a landmark publication celebrating Valentino Garavani's unparalleled impact on haute couture. Co-authored by esteemed fashion journalist Suzy Menkes, acclaimed filmmaker and writer Matt Tyrnauer, and renowned Italian graphic designer and art director Armando Chitolina, the book captures the grandeur and nuance of a designer who redefined elegance for over six decades. Enriched by timeless contributions from Anna Wintour and Farah Diba, and reflective insights by voices including Tom Ford, Donatella Versace, Stella McCartney, and the late Karl Lagerfeld, the book is more than a retrospective, it is a curated document of Valentino's influence—not only on fashion but on the culture of beauty, glamour, and refinement.A Preview Through the Pages: Fashion.at's Early GlimpseFashion.at had access to the new edition of Valentino. A Grand Italian Epic. From its opening pages, the meticulously structured layout, woven through with hues of Valentino red, guides readers through a richly detailed narrative. Organized chronologically, the book takes the reader from the designer's formative years to his lasting global legacy. Personal recollections, archival writings, and revealing interviews provide a sense of depth and intimacy that frames Valentino not just as a couturier, but as a cultural figure shaped by, and shaping, his era.One particularly moving passage recalls young Valentino's first spark of inspiration when, as a thirteen-year-old boy, he and his sister saw the film Ziegfeld Girl: "I had a sister and she took me to see films. I would dream about beautiful women, extremely sophisticated all made up with beautiful jewelry and beautiful dresses. I think, from that time, I decided I wanted to be a fashion designer. The movie that did it was Ziegfeld Girl...." The film, starring Austrian-American actresses Hedy Lamarr, Lana Turner and Judy Garland, left an indelible impression on the budding designer—a vision that would later come to life on red carpets and runways around the world. Hundreds of full-page and double-spread fashion photographs—many drawn from archives—are paired with original sketches, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and close-ups of haute couture craftsmanship. Together, they offer both inspiration and insight into Valentino's enduring aesthetic. A Chronicle of Style, Culture, and LegacyThe book also serves as a cultural document, reflecting how Valentino's aesthetic remained steadfast even as fashion cycled through radical transformations. While trends shifted toward minimalism or streetwear, Valentino upheld a philosophy rooted in grace and precision. Through essays, original magazine excerpts, and visual storytelling, the book situates Valentino's career within the broader currents of 20th- and 21st-century fashion history. It also sheds light on the designer's collaborators and muses—from Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy to the seamstresses and stylists who gave form to his vision.A Book to Return ToWith 576 pages of evocative imagery and layered narratives, this updated TASCHEN publication invites readers to linger, revisit, and discover new dimensions of Valentino's world—page by page. The 2025 edition of Valentino. A Grand Italian Epic is more than a collector's object. It is a valuable resource for fashion scholars, a visual archive of couture at its finest, and a reflection of the evolving role of fashion journalism in cultural storytelling.Image: Cover of the TASCHEN book 'Valentino. A Grand Italian Epic', edited by Armando Chitolina with texts by Suzy Menkes and Matt Tyrnauer. The hardcover edition measures 25 × 33.4 cm, weighs 4.56 kg, and spans 576 pages. The design prominently features Valentino's signature red. Full publication details are available at taschen.com. |