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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. The Dainty Dolls HouseSeptember 24, 2012 at 7:58 AM

    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. Elle SeesSeptember 24, 2012 at 7:59 AM

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

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  3. Style JourneySeptember 24, 2012 at 7:59 AM

    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. miss bSeptember 24, 2012 at 8:34 AM

    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. PhioxeeSeptember 24, 2012 at 9:42 AM

    love the couture

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  6. two birdsSeptember 24, 2012 at 9:54 AM

    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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  7. AnneSeptember 24, 2012 at 10:12 AM

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

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  8. Meenakshi (meen-ak-she)September 24, 2012 at 10:15 AM

    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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  9. Jennifer FabulousSeptember 24, 2012 at 10:22 AM

    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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  10. BonnieSeptember 24, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    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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  11. anyaadoresSeptember 24, 2012 at 10:55 AM

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

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  12. LorenaSeptember 24, 2012 at 11:06 AM

    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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  13. little luxury listSeptember 24, 2012 at 11:09 AM

    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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  14. NelahSeptember 24, 2012 at 11:10 AM

    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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  15. Jenee C.September 24, 2012 at 11:25 AM

    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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  16. grlcreative.com.mxSeptember 24, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    love ur blog! follow each other?
    Sheinside GIVEAWAY


    Bracelets GIVEAWAY


    Check out my blog :)

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  17. Oh to Be a MuseSeptember 24, 2012 at 11:46 AM

    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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  18. JenniferSeptember 24, 2012 at 12:00 PM

    Gorgeous work!

    xo Jennifer

    http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

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  19. KatherineSeptember 24, 2012 at 12:36 PM

    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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  20. PAPSSeptember 24, 2012 at 1:04 PM

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

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  21. JuneliSeptember 24, 2012 at 1:05 PM

    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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  22. NhiSeptember 24, 2012 at 1:11 PM

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

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  23. UnknownSeptember 24, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    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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  24. hautepinkprettySeptember 24, 2012 at 1:56 PM

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

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  25. LauraSeptember 24, 2012 at 2:09 PM

    This exhibition sounds amazing! Love his designs :)

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  26. UnknownSeptember 24, 2012 at 2:14 PM

    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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  27. UnknownSeptember 24, 2012 at 2:49 PM

    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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  28. Sarah HartleySeptember 24, 2012 at 2:53 PM

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

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  29. JessicaSeptember 24, 2012 at 3:19 PM

    not inot fashion but i do like the dresses so princessey

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  30. oomph.September 24, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    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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  31. CaraSeptember 24, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    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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  32. mr. pineapple manSeptember 24, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    RED! Beautiful!

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  33. The Hipster Owl's BookshelfSeptember 24, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    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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  34. FASHION TALESSeptember 24, 2012 at 5:41 PM

    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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  35. SSeptember 24, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    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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  36. SamSeptember 24, 2012 at 6:56 PM

    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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  37. livlovelaughSeptember 24, 2012 at 8:19 PM

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

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

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  38. Lena LSeptember 24, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    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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  39. Champagne StarSeptember 24, 2012 at 8:34 PM

    I love these dresses!

    Thanks for visiting my blog, too!

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  40. Lisa - respect the shoesSeptember 24, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    These costumes are gorgeous - what a wonderful pairing!

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  41. TestSeptember 24, 2012 at 9:53 PM

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

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  42. Sandy at Ooh La Frou FrouSeptember 24, 2012 at 10:11 PM

    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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  43. MOSAMUSESeptember 24, 2012 at 10:19 PM

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

    www.MOSAMUSE.com

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  44. Thrifted ShiftSeptember 25, 2012 at 12:03 AM

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

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  45. SSeptember 25, 2012 at 1:42 AM

    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 !

    ReplyDelete
  46. Anca C.September 25, 2012 at 1:54 AM

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

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

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  47. MicaSeptember 25, 2012 at 2:11 AM

    He always makes amazing dresses!

    Love the ballet outfits he made :)

    AwayFromTheBlue.blogspot.com.au

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  48. SamanthaSeptember 25, 2012 at 8:41 PM

    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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  49. BIKBIK AND ROROSeptember 25, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    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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  50. DawnSeptember 26, 2012 at 9:56 AM

    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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  51. CocoSeptember 26, 2012 at 11:10 AM

    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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  52. Mighty BSeptember 27, 2012 at 4:56 PM

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

    -B

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