Valentino Retrospective

Valentino | Evening gown | Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2003, Model 130 | Strapless evening gown with low-set draped pale crimson chiffon sleeves, a train with appliqué pleated crimson taffeta rosettes and red strass crystals in their centres, and pink and grey taffeta rosettes in its lining; fabric: Buche-Guillaud; embroidery: Marabitti | Collection: Valentino Archives | Photograph: Jean Tholance

On Saturday I took a trip into the city and went to the Valentino Retrospective past/present/future. My oh my, that was one gorgeous couple of hours. The exhibition encompasses haute couture from the first collection designed in 1959 by the house’s founder, Valentino Garavani, through to work from the Autumn/Winter 2009–10 creations by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli – appointed as creative directors for Valentino in 2008. 

Exquisite haute couture garments will reveal Valentino’s mastery of the elegant line, classic form and opulent detail. Particular themes will be explored uniting Valentino’s design approach over five decades: these include the recurrence of geometric patterns and graphic prints, the skilful use of fabric to create dramatic silhouettes and, of course, the distinctive palette of black, white and ‘Valentino red’. The future direction of this most esteemed fashion label is showcased through five creations by the house of Valentino’s new creative directors.

Designs from house of Valentino have been coveted and worn by European royalty, Hollywood celebrities and members of high society the world over. This magnificent exhibition included garments worn by stars such as Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and more.

Now, without sounding naive or even arrogant, and maybe someone can correct me if I am way out of line. I scrutinised these pieces in awe of the craftmenship that goes into each garment. But I did notice that many of the zippers were not looking that great, some were puckered, off line and uneven??? Anyway, I came home feeling completely untalented in a  good way and so thankful that people extremely talented and artistic such as Valentino have realised their creativity for all to see. The collection was simply breathtaking.



Valentino | Evening gown (detail) | Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2008, Model 184 | Strapless evening gown made of silk voile appliquéd with silk voile ruffles and corollas in graduated shades of pink; fabric: Clerici-Tessuto | Collection: Valentino Archives