Valentino. A Grand Italian Epic | Matt Tyrnauer and Suzy MenkesFor almost half a century Valentino dominated Italian haute couture, dressing the worlds wealthiest and most glamorous women. Only a few years after opening his fashion house in Rome in 1959, Valentino could already count Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, and Audrey Hepburn among his devotees. Despite his retirement in 2007 little has changed; his brand continues to thrive and prosper, and is worn by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer