Valentino Garavani has been called the maestro of Italian couture and the epitome of Italian high fashion. So I was surprised to learn that the decorative style he admires most is not Italian but 18th century Chinese. Valentino told Architectural Digest, “When I was in Beijing for the first time, in 1993, I saw a collection of old Chinese costumes, and it was one of the great emotional moments of my life.” Valentino's passion for Chinoiserie is so strong, he has re-decorated his grand 17th century château outside Paris in Chinoiserie style anchored by an exuberant needlepoint rug that perfectly complements his collection of English, Dutch, and Italian Chinoiserie objects. Read More