Remembrances of Excellency Past: Valentina Nicholaevna Sanina Schlee

As told by Guiseppe Cipriani, General Founder of Harry’s Bar, Venice: “Who could ever forget the extraordinary fashion designer, Valentina Schlee?  Of Russian origin, she was Greta Garbo’s stylist. They both lived in the same building in New York.  Greta Garbo eventually became the lover of her husband, Mr. Schlee. Valentina always dressed like the Great Garbo.  Or perhaps the Great Garbo was always dressed like her.  A mass of tangled locks hid her from view even in the middle of summer. She was both the joy and the desperation of all our waiters and cooks and those of the Hotel Gritti as well, where she usually stayed. When she finally left, all the men heaved a huge sigh of relief.  I sent a bottle of champagne over to the staff at the Gritti, and made sure that everyone who had served her got their share.”

Outstandingly Excellent People. Image via GarboForever.com

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