The Schlees arrived in New York City in 1923 and became prominent members of café society during the Roaring Twenties.

[1] Valentina "stood out" for her clothes and style at the time because she appeared in floor-lengths and cover-ups while other women wore short skirts and low-neck dresses.

"[2] Schlee opened a small couture dress house, Valentina's Gowns on Madison Avenue in 1928.

Schlee's made-to-measure, flowing styles combined the intricate bias cut of Madeleine Vionnet and the grace of gowns by Alix Gres.

[5] In 2009, Valentina: American Couture and the Cult of Celebrity, a large retrospective exhibition opened at the Museum of the City of New York.