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Monday, September 24, 2012

VALENTINO at The New York City Ballet

Oh Valentino!  
How I adore thee! 
I grew up admiring and loving the designs of fashion designer Valentino Garavani. His haute couture creations were adorned by many models and worn by celebrities & dignitaries everywhere. His famous signature red gowns were always the talk of fashion.

He officially retired from the fashion industry in 2008. I was saddened to see him go, but understood that nothing lasts forever. So was this the end of Valentino? The answer was definitely no!
Something Old! Something New! In 2011, we were pr-ivied to see all of his beautiful designs from years past in 3D technology with The Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum. He had so many designs, that no museum could possibly house them all for viewing. I thought the idea of a virtual museum was both innovative and brilliant.
The Ballet! The Ballet! I love the arts. I love ballet.Valentino has now reappeared in 2012! This time, a collaboration with The New York City Ballet! He created about 25 costumes for 4 ballets. His precision and attention to detail is still impeccable. If you do nothing else, take 5 minutes to watch the video at the end of this post. Valentino is still a perfectionist! He also gets what he wants! He's serious most of the time, but in the video we also get to see his humorous side.
Will this be the last we hear of Valentino? Not at all. I have great news fashionistas! A major new exhibit will open in Somerset, London the end of this year. It is entitled, Valentino: Master of Couture Exhibition. It will officially open from November 29, 2012 - March 3, 2013. It will showcase haute couture designs worn by icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, Sophia Lauren, and Gwyneth Paltrow. If you're in the area, this is a definite must see.Click on the link above to find out more.
What's the lesson? Just because you retire, LIFE DOES NOT HAVE TO STOP! Nor, do you have to stop doing WHAT YOU LOVE! Valentino has definitely proven that and he's 80 years old. If you would like to see a cool documentary regarding his life, purchase or rent "Valentino: The Last Emperor" (2008). I enjoyed watching it.
Photo Credits:
{to see more photos, please click on the links)
New York Magazine Rachel Papo

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52 comments

  1. Those dresses are divine, love the layers. Really stunning work. It's great when they retire, but something still comes out of it but in a different way. Really special. Happy Monday love!! xx

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  2. did you see the documentary on him? I think the ballet is a perfect fit for him

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  3. The costumes at a ballet are just as beautiful as the dancing. These are gorgeous! Loving the hot pink toe shoes with the black and white costumes!

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  4. What an interesting post and video, Kim - fashion design and ballet together - wonderful! I absolutely love ballet and the costumes here especially the red tutu (and shoes) are just so beautiful.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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  5. i want to be a ballerina just so i can wear some of those beautiful pieces!! i will have to watch that film, i have never seen it!

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  6. Lovely post Kim...his work is stunning:) Have a good week!
    ~Anne

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  7. Love this man. He is so talented. I don't think we'll hear the last of Valentino anytime soon- his passion can be clearly seen through in his creations!

    Hope you're well Kimmy :)

    www.dashysassy.com

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  8. Ummmm I want to wear those costumes, like, every day. To the grocery store. To the mall. To parties. So freaking fabulous! Sigh.

    And I wish with all my heart I could see that exhibit....

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  9. Valentino is a visionary. I wish I could meet him in person to hopefully suck up some of his awesomeness.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  10. Oh my gosh - I love these Kim. Valentino rocks + ballet rocks = perfect combination :))
    Have a great day ,
    Axx

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  11. Thank you for sharing the video Kim, I have a special admiration for Valentino. He is timeless and there is always simplicity and class in his designs... i am glad to see that he is still very active.
    I also think that it is a wonderful opportunity to see two arts in one: ballet and fashion. Very clever.

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  12. I would LOVE to dance in a Valentino gown! I went to see an exhibit of his gowns last year and just loved the detail and fantasy aspect.

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  13. I have always adore his gowns, they are so unique that most of the time you know who design them. So cool that he designed the costumns for this play, i would love to see in person..dream on..ha.

    You and i should collaborate and write a book about blogsphere Kim. It might be longer than Lords of the Ring - lol.

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  14. These costumes have somehow re-imagined yet also encapsulate the very essence of ballet. Valentino truly is a master crafter. Thank you for the sweet comments on my blog. The blogosphere is so wonderful for making new friends.

    xx Jenee C.
    {camo meets couture}

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  15. FYI - I had no idea he had retired. I'm super behind the times.

    I do love his ballet stuff. It seems like he was born to make clothes for ballerinas.

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  16. Gorgeous work!

    xo Jennifer

    http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

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  17. i really want a short tutu skirt like these! so much fun! i love seeing all the fun fashion posts you put up - i had no idea collabs like this existed! i REALLY love the super pouffy short ones

    <3 katherine
    of corgis and cocktails // current giveaway

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  18. Wow what can I say. Perfect!
    www.thoughtsofpaps.com

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  19. Who doesn't love designs by Valentino! An amazing man, an amazing post and beautiful pictures!
    Love
    Juneli from Fashionably Yours

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  20. wow! those are some beautiful gowns, very classy and feminine:) xx

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  21. Wow this is amazing! Those ballerinas just must feel on top of the world, dancing beautifully in gorgeous Valentino designs - WOW.

    xoxo Bree
    The Urban Umbrella

    http://www.theurbanumbrella.com

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  22. omg i need to watch this!!! so inspiring!

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  23. This exhibition sounds amazing! Love his designs :)

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  24. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G Post Kim!!I also love Valentino's items and the ballet dresses are so wonderful!!!
    http://jessynyiri.blogspot.com

    P.S. I love your blgo so I'm following you via GFC :)

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  25. His work is always amazing. Have always been a big fan of his work. You did a great job on this post.! Love the images. :)

    xx
    Heel in Mint

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  26. Wow, these are so gorgeous, you can tell even through the screen how intricate they are!

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  27. not inot fashion but i do like the dresses so princessey

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  28. i'll have to watch the vid at home, but so pretty. he is just amazing at what he does...the attention to detail...

    thanks for sharing this!

    [oomph.]

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  29. How gorgeous are these costumes?!?! I love the creative, bubble appearance of the tutus he created and all of the lace layers. Great find Kim!

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  30. What an inspirational post! I loved watching Valentino in his element. Where did you find these shots?? They were superb!! :D

    I loved all the ruffles and layers...my fav post of the day for sure! :)

    p.s. I'm sorry I kinda dissappeared but so glad I'm back!

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  31. He's amazing, absolutely extraordinary. I loved his documentary. I hope I can get a chance to see the exhibition. I would love to see the Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren creations up-close! -xx

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  32. amazing post kim.. really enjoyed this. i love the idea of the virtual museum too. valentino has such a love of the female form, the ballet pics are incredible!

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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  33. Those are the luckiest ballerinas, getting to wear exquisitely designed Valentino costumes, wow, they are truly amazing and fairy-tale like. Thanks for sharing, i had no idea about this :)

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  34. a very sweet blog indeed~ Loved your entry about valentino! Soooo coooool!

    -liv
    http://chocolivlovelaugh.blogspot.kr/

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  35. i love this post, Kim!
    thanks for sharing.
    i love valentino, too! i was very inspired when i saw a documentary about him and his works. :) i live 5 minutes aways from the new york city ballet but i didn't know about this. shame on me! lolz

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  36. I love these dresses!

    Thanks for visiting my blog, too!

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  37. These costumes are gorgeous - what a wonderful pairing!

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  38. I'm sooo jealous of anyone who got to go... Ugh!!! His documentary ,is amazing!

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  39. Fabulous post, Kim! Such a glamorous career and fascinating man! Simply the sound of the name "Valentino" is wonderful, isn't it? What better name could a fashion designer have?!? Have the very best fall ever, Kim! ~xoSandy

    SANDY M Illustration
    http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com

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  40. GREAT IMAGES!! I really love these! such a great find!
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    www.MOSAMUSE.com

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  41. Valentino and the ballet? Genius! Beauty! Art squared!

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  42. What more can I say ? I am simply speechless after seeing the outfits conceptualized by Valentino. His designs are always so romantic and delicate and sometimes, they are layered with extravagance but never over the top extravagance ! I also admire his use of colors -such a beautiful blend of subtle and warm colors.
    Thank you for leaving your sweet feedback in my blog !
    Have a nice day !

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  43. OMG!Valentino and ballet, a match made in heaven!

    Check out my new blog: http://www.asparklyhanger.blogspot.ro/

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  44. He always makes amazing dresses!

    Love the ballet outfits he made :)

    AwayFromTheBlue.blogspot.com.au

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  45. Thanks for sharing Valentino AND the ballet! And I really want to see that 2008 Documentary. This is the best of both worlds! Couture and dance! YES!

    xo, sam

    **Style of Sam**

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  46. O wow, yes, he is a master. Some of those costumes could even work as evening dresses. Thank you so much for popping by my blog; you now have a new follower :)

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  47. I have one thrifted Valentino piece. It's a cashmere orange, pullover vest that I can wear a shirt under. I feel like I was so fortunate to have found it. Anyway, I did watch his documentary. He is a perfectionist but that self tanner has to be more perfected..hahaha. I know you love him so don't be offended but he looks like he needs a new liver(jaundice). Ooops! Sorry folks if you read this comment but come on! Anyway, Kim I love your spirit and love for quality over quantity. You're my sister from another mister for sure. dawn suitcase vignettes xo

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  48. This post is AWESOME!The pictures are amazing, and I agree with you that Valentino is a timeless genius! I just knew that we would see him again on stage after his announced retirement. My guess is that he wanted to enjoy his well deserved fame without the pressure of signing each season a brand new collection. We are sisters sis!!xoxoxo

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  49. LOVE this post! These costumes are fabulous and with a big name like Valentino, I expected them to be.

    -B

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