La Dolce Vita Once in a rare while, a designer emerges who unites sheer passion with striking precision. Leaving Voghera while still a teen and heading to Paris to pursue his love of fashion, Valentino is one such gem. The fledgling designer apprenticed with the greats including Jean Desses and Guy Laroche before returning home to establish his first atelier in Rome in the 1960s. With elegant silhouettes and sophisticated details, Valentino's early collections received instant success. This was Hollywood's "la dolce vita" era, when Italy became the backdrop for pictures that would later become iconic films of Tinseltown's golden age. The starlets began to arrive and Valentino quickly mastered the art of dressing these beauties. By the mid-'60s, he was the undisputed king of Italian couture, with a clientele that included fashion plates including the polished Jackie Kennedy and the glamorous Elizabeth Taylor. His unfaltering commitment to elegance continues to resonate today. As such, he has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, as well as with the French Legion of Honour from President Chirac. From haute couture to accessories, Valentino's creations embody timeless style and reminds us how sweet life truly is. This is a Tell a friend giveaway. Tell your friends and receive additional entries for this giveaway. Just follow the instructions once you've entered. As always, you'll also receive $25 for each friend who buys.