Renowned for the beauty of his designs, world-esteemed couturier Valentino Garavani is known for being in a class of his own. And now the Italian fashion designer – who has dressed the likes of Jackie Kennedy, Sarah Jessica Parker and Anne Hathaway to name a few – has made his foray into the kitchen with the release of the cookbook, At the Emperor's Table. The new coffee table tome – whose London Piccadilly launch last week was attended by Valentino along with some of his close friends such as Les Miserables star Anne, Kylie Minogue and Hugh Grant, along with fellow designer Mario Testino – provides fans with a glimpse into the lavish world of the Emperor.
It also shows the interiors of his various residences around the world – his Swiss Gstaad chalet, London townhouse, Manhattan pied-à-terre, 17th-century Parisian Chateau de Wildeville and luxury apartment in Rome. The hardcover book in a luxury slipcase was inspired by Valentino's passion for food, outstanding porcelain, china and crystal, as well as his years of hosting his eclectic mix of A-list friends. Speaking exclusively to HELLO!, Valentino said of the art of dining in style: "The beauty of a plate, the sound of wine, the touch of a glass, the taste of great food, the smell of a special sauce – this is where you start." Featuring photographs by renowned Italian photographer Oberto Gili, the creation contains pictures of Valentino's personal collections, elegant table settings and treasured objets d'art.
© Photo: RexEven the recipes come from Valentino's in-house chefs and are his own favourites that have been collected over the years. The tome, boasting 192 pages and 80 stunning illustrations, invites readers into Valentino's refined world of sophistication with an introductory note from fashion editor and friend André Leon Talley. "Valentino Garavani designs his luncheons and dinners, in all of his homes, the way he has created crescendos and allegros vivace throughout his forty-plus-year career as one of the greatest haute couture designers and high-fashion leaders in the world," he writes. Buy this week's issue of HELLO! magazine for the full exclusive interview with Valentino.
