Giambattista Valli

The first and most obvious feature of this book is its grand scale. This is most definitely not a book with which to curl up in bed with to get lulled off to sleep. No, this is an epic chronicle of a designer whose youth contradicts the formidable size of this paean to his talents.

Giambattista Valli, or Giamba as he is known to friends, is a rarity in the world of fashion. His designs, his lack of desire to explain his collections, his quiet yet outspoken attitudes about fashion, and most importantly his lack of pretension are all manifestations that run contrary to what one expects of a 21st century first class international designer—especially one who indulges in the worlds of haute couture as well as ready to wear.

Giambattista Valli is lovingly devoted to a designer and his clothes; the clothes of one single designer who is visibly influenced by some of the greats and yet retains his own perspective when composing a collection. Unlike Miuccia Prada who has openly proclaimed that she no desire to make women beautiful, Mr. Valli most unequivocally does wish to make his ladies beautiful, and it is quite obvious when you see the fruits of his labors.

“The Valli style has no precise rules. It is feminine and sensual, chic but non-conformist, retro and futuristic; it unites divergent themes with unique fabrics, prints, designs, patterns, and structure.”
—Franca Sozzani

For this seasoned reader, the most telling of the segments were written by Franca Sozzani and Candy Pratts Price as these describe him in the most glowingly adoring tones without being fawning and most of all, one senses the complete familiarity with the designer. In essence, these ladies speak of him in the most down to earth and genuine words while expressing their highest level of respect. Depending on one’s view of fashion, the other contributors speak a bit too philosophically and some as if they have never met the designer.

“No one has eyes like Giamba. He LIVES. He loves the world. He’s happy!”
—Candy Pratts Price

Back to the beginning, this is a coffee table book that ranks up there with the best of them and is surely a volume that is not overly encumbered by prose and explanations; as previously stated, Giambattista Valli is a book of fashion which speaks to those of us who embrace fashion in its many incarnations.