Trailer: Valentino:The Last Emperor

A Story So Colorful It Needed A Camera

Matt Tyrnauer is the brilliant director of the critically acclaimed documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor.  Beginning his career at Spy Magazine, then the New York Observer, and since 1992 a special correspondents reporter for Vanity Fair.  Unbeknownst to me, Tyrnauer is the author of the 2005 post prison Vanity Fair Martha Stewart story, one of my favorite Vanity Fair articles to date.

At the Chicago premiere of VTLE, I was lucky enough to sit down with Matt to talk a little bit about the film.  The movie first cam about after Tyrnauer did a story of Valentino for Vanity Fair.  It was during that story that Valentino and the people and the world surrounding him intrigued Tyrnauer.  "It was a story so colorful, I felt like I needed a camera to capture it", Tyrnauer replied when asked why he did the film.  Having seen the movie, that statement makes perfect sense.  The glamorous world of Valentino is too incredible for words on paper.  VTLE went far beyond what any other fashion documentary has gone.  We got to see Valentino the designer, but we also got Valentino the lover.  Tyrnauer was able to capture the most amazing love story between Valentino and Ginacarlo Giammetti, all without ever capturing a physical intimate moment.  There was no kissing, holding hands, nothing.  "It's in their eyes", Tyrnauer states. "Just look into their eyes as they talk to each other and you can see and feel their love."  I wondered if the lack of physical interaction between Valentino and Giammetti was a conscious move on their part or if that's just how they are in real life.  Tyrnauer explained, "They are gentleman of a different era."

VTLE was Tyrnauer's first foray into film and his first real foray into the world of high fashion.  Asked if he would do another documentary on a fashion figure Tyrnauer pauses and says "Nothing can top Valentino."  So with that I look forward to the DVD release which Tyrnauer promised would be full of great unseen footage not made into the final cut, including a visit from Martha Stewart to the Valentino Estate.

I urge everyone to go see this movie!  The film opens in LA and San Francisco this week and is currently showing in New York City and Chicago.  Visit the movies website, www.valentinomovie.com, for updates on the films release in a city near you.

REVIEW: Valentino: The Last Emperor

So I just returned home from seeing Valentino: The Last Emperor.  It was AMAZING!  A brilliant look into the life of Valentino Garavani from first time director Matt Tyrnauer.  

Valention: The Last Emperor or VTLE as I will abbreviate it, was not your typical fashion documentary.  Sure it had your typical look into the process of creating garments, or in this case gorgeous couture gowns, but the film also exposed a most beautiful love story.  The 50 year relationship between Valentino and his partner in both work and life Giancarlo Giammetti, is a love story that rivals any other.  VTLE also takes you through a wonderful journey of planning the 45th anniversary celebration of Valentino's work, the tumultuous relationship between Valentino, Giammetti, and Marzotto, and Valentino's babies..his 6 pugs Maude, Margo, Monty, Molly, Milton, and Maggie.

This is a film I recommend everyone go and see!  If you love fashion you'll love this movie and even if you don't know anything about fashion it is worth seeing for the love story.  GO SEE AND SUPPORT THIS MOVIE!!!

For more information on the film visit www.valentinomovie.com

The highlight of the evening, besides the movie itself,  was that Mr. Tyrnauer was at the theater to introduce the film and do a Q&A after and I asked him to do an interview for my lil' old blog, so look for that post to come.  

An Encyclopedia of Luxury

For those of us who appreciate the finer things in life this is the place for you.  LuxuryCulture.com is a website dedicated to everything luxury.  Art, Fashion, Design, Travel, you name it, they cover it.  I first fell in love with this site when I was a student in Paris and I even had the wonderful opportunity to have an interview with the creator Yaffa Assouline.  Ms.Assouline is from the legendary Assouline publishing family.  

In The News

Profit Falls at Tiffany, but Meets Forecasts - NY Times

Chicago based Mark Shale Files for Chapter 11 - WWD

The Count Down Is On: 4 DAYS!

Most of you know, I think I have actually mentioned it on here a couple of times, that I love documentaries and my favorites of course are on designers or the fashion industry.  Well this Friday March 27th marks the debut of "Valentino: The Last Emperor" here in Chicago.  I am so excited I already have my ticket.  I have some friends in NYC who have already seen it and have given nothing but stellar reviews.  Look for mine on Saturday and if it happens to come to a city near you, CHECK IT OUT!

OBSESSED!

I just love when luxury meets necessity.  In this case it is Hunter rain boots, a totally practical item meets Jimmy Choo, a leader in the luxury accessories market.

Click HERE to take you to the Jimmy Choo website for more information.

Back To Business....Again!

So one thing that I have learned since starting this blog is that it is actually really hard.  Between work and life I got lost and took a little pause from this.  But with the recent loss of my job, I've decided now is better than ever to start again.....so enjoy!