La Dolce Vita – ” Valentino: At The Emperor’s Table” New Book Release

Valentino: At The Emperor’s Table

Valentino created an empire, with his long-term partner Giancarlo Giammetti, when back in 1959 they founded the legendary label and created for the high society, like Jackie Onasis‘ wedding gown when she married Aristote Onasis. At The Emperor’s Table is an invitation into the five houses that Valentino owns – in London, New York, at Gstaad in Switzerland, and Paris at Chateau de Wideville – as well as on his yacht, a glimpse of the refined world in which he lives, with photographs taken by Italian photographer, Oberto Gili. A tour of his exquisite object d’art, private parties with the glitterati, table settings, the art of entertaining, as well as Mr. Garavani’s personal chef recipes for each residence – a collection of 220 illustrations that take us straight into his magic land.  “I am in love with beauty. I am very often alone and enjoying my houses. Entertaining thirty or one is the same; the food has to be on a beautiful plate. The dream came true ” – Valentino says.

In the introduction of the book André Leon Talley writes: “ Valentino Garavani designs his luncheons and dinners, in all of his homes, the way he has created crescendos and allegros vivace throughout his forty-plus-year career as one of the greatest haute couture designers and high-fashion leaders in the world. A flan au chevre may be served on Portuguese porcelain at his ski chalet in Gstaad, while a visit to his home in London reveals a ‘decorating masterpiece’ . “

This is not just a book about fashion, but also about l’art de vivre, that Valentino masters so well – “ When you enter his world, you enter the world of luxury; you enter a rare and opulent, yet warm space,” writes Talley. The book, published by Editions Assouline is expected in November at Assouline book stores or www.assouline.com for 100 €.