Valentino. Just the name conjures visions of sophisticated glamour. A life of style & grace, elegance & charm—with fashion to match. Though at 60ish many of us feel that world is quickly disappearing, in truth, the death of beloved designer Valentino Garavini last month has brought a resurgence of that beautiful lifestyle—and beautiful clothes.
THE RETURN OF “PRETTY:” Last month’s passing of world-renown designer Valentino has launched a nostalgic yearning for beautiful clothes; Jackie Kennedy in her Valentino wedding dress at her marriage to Aristotle Onassis
Dubbed “the last emperor” in a documentary of the same name, Valentino dressed a world of royalty, first ladies, socialites & fashionistas around the globe for over 50 years. He designed the dress Jackie wore when she married Ari. The gowns Julia Roberts & Cate Blanchett wore when they accepted their Oscars. The gown a blonde Anne Hathaway wore to her first Met Gala. And the dress my mother wore to her 35th wedding anniversary party. She was one of his biggest fans!
DESIGNER TO THE STARS: Valentino dresses on Oscar winners Julia Roberts & Cate Blanchett; a blonde Anne Hathaway with Valentino at the Met gala; my beautiful mom, Cis Golder, in Valentino at my parents’ 35th wedding anniversary party with then 4-year-old Lauren
“It is very simple,” Valentino would often say. “I love to make women look sensational. I love pretty.”
SOMETHING PRETTY FOR SPRING: Oscar de la Renta evening gowns at Boyds Philadelphia; red evening gown at carolinahererra.com; black cocktail dress at chanel.com; Oscar de la Renta flowered cocktail dress at neimanmarcus.com; ember maxi dress at veronicabeard.com
So do I! You too? If so, you’re in luck. “Pretty” becomes a new buzzword for resort & into spring. Pastels & bright colors—including “Valentino red.” Luscious fabrics. Flattering silhouettes.
PRETTY IN PINK & PASTELS : In my pink pantsuit in Paris, from veronicabeard.com; petal halter evening gown from carolinahererra.com; pink cashmere sweater & handbag from veronicabeard.com; yellow handbag with pink flowers at fendi.com; right from the runway—Marc Jacobs’ pastel sweaters & skirts for spring; Valentino & models at his closing show in 2006
As temperatures plunge & wind whips outdoors, for the first time in awhile, stores are full of pretty—and pretty fabulous—looks if you’re heading south or to beginning to dream about spring. Dream of Rome, of Capri, of Valentino. Dream of something sensational! Enjoy every beautiful moment~ Ellyn Golder Saft
ps. Speaking of “the return of pretty,” do not miss “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” starring Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon in a 9-episode FX/Hulu series produced by Ryan Murphy, premiering this Thursday, February 12th. The show dramatizes their 1990s romance, high-profile marriage & intense paparazzi scrutiny. The fashion is fabulous—the story is one we never get tired of. I cannot think of a better Valentine’s Day gift!!! 🙂
Chic at 60ish! 
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