" Chiuri adds, scarcely missing a beat: "In the past, Valentino was only one idea of beauty.

WSJ: All the Ladies | Making It

Among Mr. Gordon's inspirations: a book of Valentino Garavani's designs from the '70s (the house's current designers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, are also huge proponents of the conservative-but-cool look) and Greta Garbo.

WSJ: Stealing Style From Granny