Skip to Content

valentino

Valentino Glam Rose and Feather Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Valentino Glam Rose and Feather Clutch
No one does glam and feathers quite like Valentino, and this Glam Rose and Feather Clutch is a perfect example. The body is covered in large black tulle roses and black feathers (it doesn't say what kind) along with crystal details along the top edge for even more glamour. It's fully lined inside with black satin and a pouch pocket, plus it comes with a chain link shoulder strap for different convertible carrying options. A beautiful bag that will serve you well for occasion after occasion, as long as you take good care of the feathers. $2,340

The Fashion Statement: Paris Couture Pares Back

Filed under: The Fashion Statement



The haute couture shows in Paris are in full swing, but rather than enjoy the spectacle, fashion watchers have the nagging suspicion they are witnessing the end of an era.

Sure, clothing that can cost as much as a house, have little relevance in today's world-only a handful of women in the world can afford the custom-made pieces. And fashion houses like Jean Paul Gaultier, pictured above, create the looks mostly for press and to promote brand awareness and maintain an image. (Dita Von Teese guest strutted in black wire and stockings.) But the Great Recession has sped up the decline of an institution of fashion, the highest level a designer can achieve, the crème de la crème of the biz. It's sad!

Signs of decline are all there. Shows have been reduced to six spanning three days. Sets have been pared back. Givenchy eschewed a show altogether to stage "presentations," or museum like display on dress forms-a sure sign of financial conservatism.

"Why not just hang a sign on the door that says, 'Shut?'" wrote Cathy Horyn yesterday in The New York Times.

The Berkeley's Roof-Top Midnight Movies, Martinis and Manicures

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, London
One of the chicest boutique hotels in London has just added a little more glamor by transforming the spectacular roof-top terrace of its spa into a midnight movie theater, complete with home-made popcorn, mini ice cream cones, martinis from its famous Blue Bar and even manicures.

The Berkeley, which is located in fashionable Knightsbridge, is offering the latest fashion documentaries on a big screen under the stars. On Friday nights until the end of August, hotel guests and Londoners alike are invited to The Berkeley to enjoy mini ice cream cones and home-made popcorn as they sit underneath beautifully lit palm trees watching documentaries that offer a behind-the-scenes look at some of the world's leading fashion houses. Featured documentaries will include: Le Jour D'Avant, featuring Karl Lagerfeld, Sonia Rykiel, Proenza Schouler and Jean Paul Gaultier, Signe Chanel, Valentino: The Last Emperor, The September Issue, Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton, and Lagerfeld Confidential.

As guests enjoy the featured presentation, therapists from The Berkeley Health Club & Spa will give manicures that feature a choice of Chanel's latest Les Pop-Up nail varnish. If you feel a chill in the air, mulberry blankets are on hand.

The Berkeley's Midnight Movies, Martinis & Manicures packages start at £485 ($725) plus VAT based on double occupancy and include an overnight stay with access to the roof-top cinema. A special Midnight Movies, Martinis & Manicures package is also available for Londoners for £85 ($127) per person which includes full access to the movie theater between 10 pm and midnight, two signature Blue Bar cocktails per person, snacks and a mini-manicure with Chanel's latest summer colors.

The package is subject to availability and is available on Fridays in June, July and August, weather permitting. Reservations can be made online or by calling the following toll-free numbers: (866) 599 6991 in the United States and 0808 238 0245 in the United Kingdom.

The Fashion Statement: Luxury in Flux

Filed under: The Fashion Statement



You can blame plenty of things on the recession, but luxury fashion may never be the same.

Houses are way past worrying whether the haute couture segment of their business will live or die. Now the industry is lowering the prices of their ready-to-wear collections, investing more in cheaper secondary lines and producing small collections for cheap chic retailers like H&M. More people probably know Zac Posen from his capsule line for Target than for his self-named ready-to-wear collection that hangs at Saks or Neiman Marcus.

Is this the end of luxury-largely defined by exclusivity-as we know it?

The house of Valentino caused a dust up at a Reuters Global Luxury Summit late last week. Never having sold an evening gown for less than 2,000 euros, Valentino is offering cocktail dresses for half that and T-shirts priced at about $300. The main question at the summit: How can Valentino be more accessible without losing its luxury appeal?

"Being more affordable means you are trying to get new customers on board," Valentino's CEO Stefano Sassi told the summit. "We are not stretching down the brand. We are trying to say that you can be both couture and contemporary."

Sunday Real Estate Round-Up, 05/23/10

Filed under: Estates, Celebrity Shopping


From the Wall Street Journal's Private Properties:
--La Villa Contenta, a Malibu estate that has appeared in several movies and television shows is for rent for $250,000 a month. Chris Cortazzo of Coldwell Banker Previews International has the listing.
--The Dana Ranch, a 60,000-acre working cattle ranch in Montana, is quietly being offered for sale for $45 million. The owners are selling because they are retiring David Johnson with Hall & Hall in Bozeman has the listing.

From NJ.com
--Eddie Murphy has dropped the price on his New Jersey estate, Bubble Hill, to $12.75 million. It was once listed at $30 million.

--Kimora Lee Simmons has cut the price again on her mansion in Saddle River, New Jersey. It was once listed for $23.8 million but can now be had for $13.9 million.


From the NY Post:
--Fashion designer Valentino and his longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti were seen checking out the $12 million cupola penthouse at 141 Fifth Ave. The listing for the three-level condo is here.
--Monneyman Gizman Abbas, a partner at Apollo Global Management, was the first to close on a $3.6 million triplex "townhome" at the 21-unit Fairchild, at 55 Vestry St. More than $40 million in sales are expected to close between now and the end of June.
--After a $26 million renovation, the Panoramic View Resort & Residences is selling condos at the11-acre, 20-unit oceanfront property in Montauk. The one- to five-bedroom residences measure 1,200 to 4,500 square feet and are on the market for $2 million to $6 million.
--Marielle and Edmond Safra have bought the full fourth floor of 2 E. 67th St., for around $18 million for two units, which they will be combining into one. The two units were originally listed for a total of $34.5 million in 2008.

From the Real Estalker:
--Sheryl Crow has listed Cross Creek Farm, her home in College Grove, Tennessee for $7.5million. The listing is here.
--Pia Zadora has listed her Pacific Palisades, California home for $10 million. The listing is here. She also has a Lake Arrowhead, California home on the market for $4.45 million. The listing is here.
--Jamie Lynn Spears has listed her home in Liberty, Mississippi for $250,000. The listing is here.

From the NY Times Big Deal:
--Jessica Hecht, a television and stage actress who was just nominated for a Tony Award for her role in "A View From the Bridge," has just bought a three-bedroom apartment in the Alwyn Court. Hecht and her husband, Adam Bernstein, a television and music video director, paid $2.05 million for a three-bedroom three-bath co-op that was originally listed for $2.295 million last September.

Luxurious T-Shirts by Valentino

Filed under: Apparel

valentino shirt
If you've seen Valentino: The Last Emperor Standing, you knew from the moment the movie ended, there were going to be MAJOR changes happening at the fashion house. Since the release, Valentino has retired and ownership has changed. The new design-heads behind Valentino are Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli - who are far from new. The design duo have been working for 10 years with Valentino learning the in's and out's of couture technique.

In an effort to pay homage to the impeccably beautiful craftsmanship that is behind Valentino's glamorous gowns, while inviting a new customer base that may not have red carpets events or need exquisite gowns to wear to the Met Ball, Chiuri and Piccioli have designed what they hope will be a balance between the two – upscale t-shirts.

Valentino Tulle Rosette Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Valentino Tulle Rosette Handbag
Every time I see "tulle" I think "ballerina," and this Valentino Tulle Rosette bag does nothing to make me think otherwise with its pale blush pink coloring and delicate, feminine arrangement of rosettes and raw-edged pleats. The only leather to be seen is in the details, with narrow double top handles in coordinated pink leather and adjustable drawstrings on either side, plus a magnetic stud fastening in the center. Lined in delicate dove gray satin, the bag also features protective metal feet, several interior pockets, and a designer-stamped Valentino plaque on the outside. $2,790

Valentino Garavani - A Grand Italian Epic

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Books

valentino garavani book
I've always admired the work of Valentino. I mean, who hasn't? Even if you are not a fashion addict, he makes you take notice of the women he dresses because they look utterly beautiful. His exquisite gowns are impeccably made and exude a classic sophistication just from his use of color alone. I not too long ago saw his movie, Valentino The Last Emperor, and loved it. I enjoyed his story, his work ethic and dedication to long time design partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Just being able to witness his creative journey was a treat. But I was a bit taken back by the ups and downs with the business side of fashion. That aspect of fashion was like a soap opera.

I recently stumbled upon the Collector's Edition of his book, Valentino - A Grand Italian Epic ($1800). Appropriately so, the autographed book is housed in a silk box in his signature vibrant red color and is a historical overview of Valentino's rise as one of the most respected and celebrated dressmakers. There are over 700 pages of all things Valentino. His drawings, documentary photographs, magazine shoots, advertisements and of course portraits of Valentino. In addition to all of the eye candy, the book includes Vanity Fair writer Matt Tyrnauer interviews with 20 of the designer's closet collaborator and friends. While I can't justify buying a book for $1800, I can justify the more affordable version of $70.

Valentino Glam Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Valentino Glam ToteThe Valentino Glam Tote is one of those unmistakable Valentinos -- it's amazing how varied, yet recognizable the collection is.

This "Glam" tote has a beautiful, iconic rose embellishment crafted from glittering crystals. The soft, buttery nappa leather has two modest top handles and flirty drawstring ties at the sides. The bag itself has a magnetic closure, as well as metal feet to protect that gorgeous Italian leather from wear.

At 19"W X 11"H X 7"D, this satin-lined bag is perfect for work -- and no one will accuse you of appearing too feminine (with the floral detail) when your bag is obviously this expensive. A bag like this is so pretty, it's powerful.

The Valentino Glam Tote is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $2,390.00.

Valentino Lacca, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Valentino LaccaThe Valentino Lacca is a classy bag for a dame of extraordinary style.

The traditional shape of this fabulous bag is turned on its head with a masterful gathering of the black patent leather creating an effect similar to expert-level napkin folding. We love the generous handles and the deep, roomy top-zip body, as well as the classic Valentino logo plate on the side, of course.

This 15"H x 19"W x 6 1/2"D bag is lined in satin and includes a zipper pocket for a little extra organization. This is one of the finest, most sophisticated bags large enough for work we've ever seen, carried off with a supremely feminine flair. It's one of those bags which announces itself with a stately, "I'm important" presence. We could see Audrey Hepburn carrying this just out of frame in one of her iconic black-and-white photos -- it's that glamorous.

The Valentino Lacca is available from Neiman Marcus for $1,195.00, and also comes in a pink so bright it will burn your eyeballs.

Valentino Summer Flower Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Valentino Summer Flower ToteThe Valentino Summer Flower Tote is another femme-fatale, dynamite bag from Valentino's particularly womanly spring collection.

This very nearly lip-shaped tote is decked in supple nappa leather flowers in bright, bold colors which captivate and catch the eye. The unusual color combination is fresh and lovely, calling to mind images of a hot summer day, a glass of lemonade and some very red lipstick. The use of black increases the intrigue of the bag, giving it a gothic edge. One could see a celeb like Dita Von Teese carrying this to complement a lacy or chiffon ensemble.

The bag is especially large (21"W X 12"H X 8"D), and could even be used overnight. It features a magnetic snap closure and metal feet, a black polyester-satin lining and a 16" drop detachable shoulder strap. We'd hate to see a bag like this wasted on work, and hope we'll catch someone brave enough to take it down the red carpet.

The Valentino Summer Flower Tote is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $2,690.

Valentino Laceland Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Valentino Laceland ToteThe Valentino Laceland Tote is a pretty, feminine bag perfect for the pale shades of this spring.

As we emerge from the dark jewel tones and black velvets of winter into a lighter, brighter, pastel spring 2010, this pale gray Tote can be your friend and ally at work or at play. The laser-cut soft nappa leather includes layered lace and eyelet details, and will age beautifully. The double ruched handles call to mind an antique framed silhouette or elegant hand mirror, creating an even quainter, lovelier overall effect.

At 16"W X 14"H X 5"D, this delicate, girlish tote is large enough to throw over your shoulder with everything but the kitchen sink inside. We love a ladylike bag with some down-to-Earth sense, and that's just what this is. The lining is a durable polyester-satin blend. Magnifique.

The Valentino Laceland Tote is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $3,495.

Valentino Feather Trimmed Satin Sandals

Filed under: Shoes

Valentino Feather Trimmed Satin Sandals
I love it when shoes get a little crazy and this Valentino pair of Feather Trimmed Satin Sandals is a perfect example. The sandals themselves are nothing to write home about, being simple 4 1/2" heels in strappy khaki satin with black satin trim. But then comes the fun part: the asymmetrical black rooster feather trim that soars several inches for a floaty, fantasy effect that will surely make you the fashion maven of any party. Sadly I imagine it will be hard to wear this pair more than once or twice, as the feathers will surely take a beating even just walking around. $895

Valentino 360 Embroidered Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


I did a post recently on lace and its history and I would have loved to include this Valentino 360 Embroidered Shoulder bag as an example of how designers still love using lace today. Stone fabric overlaid with off-white straw floral embroidery make up the body of the bag while an oversized beige leather bow flaps over the top for a loose fold-over closure. There's a leather stamped logo plaque on the back and on the satin-lined khaki interior, along with one interior zip pocket. Net-a-porter recommends it for rounding a neutral ensemble but I see it looking great paired with a rich red or green. $1,195

Valentino Small Glamorous Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Valentino Small Glamorous Tote Handbag
Where tote bag versatility meets evening bag glamour, it's nothing other than a Valentino. The Small Glamorous Tote is covered in shiny black nappa leather and glimmering paillettes in sizes from small to large. Hand-embroidered flowers in bright, 3-dimensional pastels seem to jump off the design and Swarovski crystals and jet beads embellish and enhance. Totally fabulous. Features include a black satin lining, double leather handles and a detachable shoulder strap, magnetic top closure and one internal zip pocket. Available exclusively at Net-A-Porter for $2,795.

Featured Galleries

A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Striking Time Watch
Amanyara, Turks & Caicos
Pilates in Heels: The Experiment
Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon Technique Platinum Watch
Bulgari Serpenti Watches
'Silver Zwei' Superyacht
'TV' Megayacht Charter
Villa Volpi
Volvo S60 Style