Reviewing the documentary of Valentino’s retirement from the fashion business, a reviewer asks a penetrating question about art collectors and their collections. Given that collecting is meant to be a reflection of the owner’s ideas, interests, vision and sensibilities, what do their collections tells about them. Here the reviewer talks about the cosseted world Valetino’s success has created–chauffers, yachts, jets and houses in Rome, Paris, London, Manhattan and Gstaad–but wonders why the film maker is unable to make any connection between the designer’s taste and his character:

In this way, he keeps himself safely cocooned from anything which could possibly offend his aesthetic sensibilities. These sensibilities warm to neo-classical furnishings, Meissen porcelain and art by Picasso, Cy Twombly, Bacon and Basquiat. His taste is exquisite. But unfortunately for Tyrnauer – and us – it sheds little light on his character.

Valentino: The Last Emperor (Sydney Morning Herald)