Valentina Sanina-Shlee New York fashion creator Date of Birth: 01.05.1904 Country: USA

1. Valentina Sani-Shlee: A Fashion Icon
2. Early Life and Career
3. The Rise of "Valentina's Dresses"
4. The Valentina Style
5. Valentina's Legacy

Valentina Sani-Shlee: A Fashion Icon

Valentina Sani-Shlee was a renowned fashion designer from New York who dressed some of the most famous Hollywood stars, including Greta Garbo, Gloria Swanson, Katharine Hepburn, and Pola Negri. Her dresses were considered a symbol of elegance and simplicity, and she gained worldwide recognition for her impeccable sense of style.

Early Life and Career

Before her illustrious career in America, Valentina Sani-Shlee was known as Valentina Nikolaevna Sanina. She caught the attention of Alexander Vertinsky, a famous Russian singer and poet, who fell in love with her and even dedicated several romance songs to her. However, her life took a tragic turn with the arrival of the revolution in Russia. Valentina, along with her husband Georgy Shlee, had to flee their homeland and embarked on a difficult journey of emigration through Greece, Italy, and France before finally settling in the United States.

The Rise of "Valentina's Dresses"

In New York City, Valentina initially worked as a model and later found employment in a fashionable clothing store. Eventually, she opened her own fashion boutique on Madison Avenue called "Valentina's Dresses." Her designs were an instant hit, and her own impeccable style and striking red hair made her a captivating figure in American society. Women aspired to emulate her, and her dresses became highly sought after.

The Valentina Style

Valentina valued simplicity above all else in her designs. She offered romantic capes, loose blouses, and skirts for everyday wear, but her greatest pride was in her evening gowns. She famously declared, "No hideous brooches or bows on the backs." Her dresses were designed to allow women to move freely and feel confident without worrying about the fabric bunching up. Valentina had an innate understanding of how a dress would look in motion, as anything that restricted the figure was abhorrent to her. She loved loose silhouettes, deep necklines, and hoods. Her designs transcended the whims of fashion and were timeless in their elegance.

Valentina's Legacy

Valentina preferred to work with black fabric, but she also created stunning dresses in velvet, chiffon, crepe, and muslin in other colors like white, olive, green, and yellow. Her creations were true works of sartorial art and are now showcased in museums and private collections. She was close friends with Greta Garbo, but their friendship ended tragically when Georgy Shlee left Valentina for the Swedish actress. Valentina never forgave this betrayal and spent her final years in solitude and wealth, occupying an entire floor of a prestigious Manhattan building. It is said that she harbored a deep hatred towards Garbo and even went to great lengths to avoid any chance encounters with her in the building. The building's concierge had the challenging task of ensuring their paths never crossed. Valentina Sani-Shlee passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of timeless fashion and unforgettable style.