Valentina: American couture and the cult of celebrity Hardcover - 2009

"The life and work of an important, yet forgotten figure of 20th-century fashion design." ~The Palm Beach Daily News

“In Valentina: American Couture and the Cult of Celebrity, Kohle Yohannan has revived the legend of a woman who — as much as her clients Katharine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo — was a legend in her own time.” ~The New York Times

"Valentina preserved an air of mystery that helped solidify her authority on matters of style. The author lifts the veil to reveal… the rags-to-riches American dream narrative." ~Russia! Magazine

"The elusive designer's history is brilliantly researched in this beautiful book...a Must-Have for all fashion enthusiasts..." ~VidCatTV.com

“If only all fashion books were as brilliant as this gorgeous Valentina tome by Kohle Yohannan…” ~1stDibs.com

"In this brilliantly researched book you get 1st hand accounts on everything Valentina- from photos, sketches and her rags to riches tale you will re-discover one other the most important fashion designers of the twentieth century. This exquisite tome is a must for all fashion aficionados. " ~LePetiteBlog.com

"[A] glance back at Valentina's fearless talent could remind frightened designers what audacious fashion is really all about." ~LA2Day.com

"Rizzoli has released an enchanting volume dedicated to the legend...The book's exquisite touches better represent a woman who aimed for the exquisite in all things...savor Yohannan's well-told tale and the expertly reproduced photos in the nearly 300-page volume." ~StudioInternational.com

Kohle Yohannan is an art and design historian, and the author of several books. Harold Koda is curator-in-charge of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Exhibition Schedule: Museum of the City of New York, opens February 14, 2009