Valentino and his London Abode

That Valentino. His keen sense of style goes beyond his couture creations. I've never seen one of his homes that was not beautiful, tasteful, and elegant. (Unfortunately, I can't say that I've seen these homes in person. My impressions are based strictly on photographs!).

I think what I admire most about his homes is that they are entirely appropriate for their locations. His Capri home circa 1971 was a sea of vibrant blue and white prints- perfect for living la dolce vita. His London home, featured here, is veddy English. Now, I know this might all seem a bit predictable, but if you're going to have a home in London, don't you want to feel like you're in England rather than in the Mediterranean, for example? Personally, I don't get that maverick approach to design where a home is supposed to look the antithesis of its location- it seems a bit contrived to me.

But let's get back to Val's London home. Does it come as any shock that Colefax & Fowler designed it? Tom Parr of C&F was responsible for much of the interiors. According to a 1992 House & Garden article (from which these photographs are taken), Valentino felt it important to use a British decorator. But while Valentino wanted an English look for his home, he also wanted it to be "more aggressive". I'm a bit stumped about the aggressive part- perhaps it's the use of color? The mix of prints? Perhaps it's a more masculine version of the English look.

I wonder if the home still has Parr's imprint? Or, has it been redecorated? Does anyone know?









(All images from the September 1992 issue of House & Garden; Alexandre Bailhache photographer)