Valentino: Objects of Couture

With specially commissioned photography, this unprecedented volume celebrates a legacy of accessories design by the legendary couture house of Valentino. This lavish tribute to the couture house of Valentino's accessories line is exceptionally timely: since the long-time accessories team, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, took over as the creative directors for Valentino in 2008, the house has experienced record-breaking success and received international acclaim. Known for their daring approach redefining femininity, Chiuri and Piccioli's continuance of accessories design has only magnified the line's popularity. Equally important is Chiuri and Piccioli's transformation of traditional Italian handcraftsmanship into a new international barometer of glamorous design. By infusing the highest quality materials and crafts with streetwise attitude, their accessories have become some of the most coveted items in the fashion world. Valentino: Objects of Couture showcases commissioned images and artworks by various well-known artists-David Bailey, Luisa Lambri, Nobuyoshi Araki, Duane Michals, Scheltens & Abbenes, Philip Lorca di Corcia and Douglas Gordon-of over 300 of the house of Valentino's most well-known accessory designs. Art directed by REM-Ruini e Mariotti and along with an insightful essay by the art curator Francesco Bonami, this work presents a rich volume in celebration of Valentino's exquisitely designed collections. This book is perfect for devotees of fashion, style, photography, and glamour, and also anyone who understands that a Valentino handbag or heels, even when paired with jeans, is statement-worthy.