Valentino: The Last Emperor
"What do women want? They want to be beautiful!"
This is the motto that Valentino has based his life on.
This weekend I went to see the movie Valentino: The Last Emperor for the second time. It has finally arrived in Vancouver. The first time I saw it I drove to Seattle because it wasn't out here yet. It is one of the few movies I have been to in my lifetime that everyone in the theatre clapped at the end. I was moved to tears as the great maestro Valentino took a bolt of his signature red fabric and started draping it over a live model, creating and sculpting the design for a new dress. He truly was the Master of Couture, a dying breed in the times we are living in. Valentino: The last Emperor is a documentary that was filmed over a two year period chronicling Valentino's life work. It is a must see, not only for the view into the life of a great Master of Couture but also for the great love story it is.
Valentino: The Last Emperor
Valentino's 5 Pugs who go everywhere with him. This picture is taken on his private jet.
Please let me know if you have seen the movie and what you think about it by leaving a comment.
Official Web-site for Valentino: The Last Emperor
A 56 minute Interview by Charlie Rose March 2009
Valentino: The Last Emperor Movie Trailer: Valentino: The Last Emperor
Patricia Gray writes about 'WHAT'S HOT 'in the world of Interior Design, new and emerging trends, modern design,
architecture, and travel, as well as how your surroundings can influence the world around you.
© Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog, 2009
This post makes me remember a red Valentino Dress that I bought at Bloomingdales and I loved it so - I had Chanel red pumps and a red bag and felt so
ReplyDeleteInternational.
pve
Hi PVE
ReplyDeleteI hope you still have your red Valentino. I bet you look absolutely stunning in it...like one of the models in the picture.
Patricia
I'm sure it will not play here in El Paso...I just put it on my netflix queue. I'd been meaning to and had forgotten...thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see it also. His work is incredible, like sculpture. I have always loved and coveted his dresses. I saw him and Giancarlo interviewed on Oprah and also heard the filmmaker interviewed on CBC. They sound like such a fascinating team and Valentino truly is the last of a great generation of craftsmen.
ReplyDeleteGlad you loved it. xo Terri
I can't wait to see it either! When is it coming out on video? ahahh!!! I'm terrible. I just love videos.
ReplyDeleteHaven't see it, but am interested now!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the movie yet but I can wait to see it after your comments this morning over the phone. I am so intrigue now.
ReplyDeleteI adore the shot of Valentino with all of the red dresses...I'd wear any one of them please...in a size 18???
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the movie!
Best,
Michelle
Hi Joni
ReplyDeleteI'll keep you posted when I hear it is out on video. I want the video also as there are some great shots of rooms in Valentino's home and office that I want to pause and fully see.
I have not seen it but will look forward to doing so when I have the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThanks Patricia.
Anddrea Mundell-Bowen
Of course I have seen it... I did run to see it... and because Valentino was born and grew up in Voghera and started his career in Milan, I always felt he is part of my city. Anyway the movie was very well done, full of behind the scenes and wonderful insight in his (and his partner)private life.
ReplyDeleteI am going to date myself but I still remember him on B&W TV (totally unknown and introduced by his last name)presenting his first chiffon dress. It was a very emotional movie for me.
The translation was not always accurate (as usual)so I could enjoy the movie even more, being able to follow the Italian dialogue (and recognizing people famous only for an Italian audience!)
I really want to see it. Watching design icons at work and their lives is always a thrill.
ReplyDeleteI saw it as well. I found it very touching. One cannot help admire a man with such creativity that he even dreams of beautiful dresses. What a shame he is forced to associate with people like Liz Hurley and Gwyneth Paltrow after dressing Audrey and Jackie! Only one aspect of the business gave me pause - that poor g-string wearing "perfect" model planted in the middle of the workroom . Another conclusion? I need a majordomo - lol.
ReplyDeleteAudrey Hepburn I believe had only a few Valentinos, she was a Givenchy girl. As per the Maggiordomo was just me or was it strange that he had a short sleeve shirt? It did not look professional. My maggiordomo would be dressed more in style!
ReplyDeleteHi Albarosa
ReplyDeleteI did notice that the maggiordomo had short sleeves and thought that it was a bit odd. I also thought that it was interesting that Valentino was being chauffeured in a mini-van.
I love the picture of the pugs, so fun! I can't wait to see this movie! And of course the first one is stunning.
ReplyDeleteI must see if you were willing to drive to Seattle to see it! The photo of his pugs is priceless. There will never be another Valentino.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen it but it looks like something i would LOVE. I wonder if it is coming to Aus?
ReplyDeleteHi IB
ReplyDeleteThis is the link for the theatres that are showing this movie:
http://www.valentinomovie.com/#theatre.
It has not been released here yet, What a disappointment. If you say that one scene almost brought you to tears, I know it is a definite must see. The photo of the pugs sitting all in a row on an aircraft is splendid. Thank you Patricia.
ReplyDeleteA fashion icon....so excited to see his movie/bio of his life & precious pugs.
ReplyDeleteI ran to see it as soon as it opened in Kansas City.... My husband even saw it with me, although he squirmed a lot in his seat and I had to make him dinner three nights in a row to make up for it (not his thing). I LOVED it though. I really, really did.
ReplyDeleteoh my...how deliciously beautiful. Blonds DO look good in red!
ReplyDeleteBlessings...
I have not seen the movie but will go to the site to check it out, thank you for the link....pugs are so cute lined up in a row! Luanne
ReplyDeleteloved the film Valentino The Last Emperor, saw it when it screened here at The Martha's Vineyard film festival
ReplyDeleteI saw the movie Valentino The Last Emperor this weekend and I was struck by the creativity and longevity of Valentino designs. I think that is the mark of a true Icon. All Valentino thought about was making women look beautiful. His gowns are classics that women can wear, which is more than I can say for some of the designers out there.
ReplyDeletei haven't seen it yet but I'll definitely check if I can see it somewhere here in Austin. Your blog & design style is one of my inspiration (borrowed a few pics with mention to u of course!).
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to see this movie for quite a while...what an extraordinary life.
ReplyDeleteHis pugs cannot compare to your adorable little Nicole! Thank you for the sweet comment on Clayton Gray Home. Hope you are well!
ReplyDeletei have not seen it yet but looking forward to it... i wish i would have known you were in seattle... i would have gone with you! x pam
ReplyDeleteI loved this wonderful love story, two very strong people who have an unspoken understanding.
ReplyDeleteAlso, very very funny, they are a great comedic team.
Shall watch it over and over.
He is the master.
Trish and Rory
Wow
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the movie-hope it makes it to Lahaina, Maui.
I love their apartment - it is a fabulous mix with an over all dynamic of contemporary design!
Hi Patricia,
ReplyDeleteI have been looking out for the movie Valentino The Last Emperor, it does not seem to be here in the UK as yet but I have found the movie Coco Chanel. It will be starting tomorrow, I will be seeing it.
Thank you for your blogs once more and looking forward to reading many more.
Andrea
Hi Andrea
ReplyDeleteI am anxiously awaiting the movie Coco Chanel to make it's way to North America. Please do let me know how it is.
In love with those puppies. Sigh*
ReplyDeleteWOW. I just cried reading about it. I LOVE Valetino. I painted one of his signature red dresses,(from one of his Haute Couture Vintage cards, on a piece of canvas to put up in my little office when I had a baby boutique) I filled that room with pictures I would cut out of magazine etc... for inspiration.Many where Valention designs. Everyone wanted to go into that room more than anything.
ReplyDeleteI need to go find that painting. One thing I was proud of & just messing around too.
Thank you for sharing this. I had no idea. I can not wait to see it. Such a Treasure.
One man that deffinitely knew how to dress a woman. He knew a woman was to look & feel sexy, beautiful. A dress could do just that! He proved it! XOXO
What a lovely red color dresses these beautiful ladies are wearing in the picture. Will definitely see the movie.
ReplyDeleteAre any of those puppies for sale?
ReplyDelete