Valentino Garavani has, like, 34,909 homes, each one more spectacular than the next, and this month he opens the doors of his crazy French castle to Architectural Digest. Built by Louis XIII's finance minster in the 17th century and once home to one of Louis XIV's mistresses, Château de Wideville sits just outside Paris and includes an eight-bedroom main house and a restored, fully furnished, three-story dovecote. After buying the property in 1995, the fashion designer enlisted the late, great decorator Henri Samuel to scheme up the interiors, but "we did every room together," he says. "I am quite particular and love to put my nose everywhere. Even if I admire the decorator, I have to say my opinion." Overall the decor mixes Italian and Asian antiques; nearly 20 years ago Garavani came across a collection of old Chinese costumes in Beijing and calls the encounter "one of the great emotional moments of [his] life." Above, have a look.
· Valentino Garavani's Asian-Inspired Chateau Near Paris [Architectural Digest]
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