Valentino Retrospective In Singapore

When I think of Valentino, I think of a beautiful breathtaking red gown. I never had the chance to meet Mr Garavani in person when I was working for the label in Singapore many years ago. However, I did meet Naomi Campbell when she was in Singapore to grace the opening of the then Paragon boutique in 2003. What was unforgettable was not just meeting Naomi (for the record, she was not a diva and was obliging), but I remembered being given the chance to touch and feel the beautiful vintage gowns that were brought in for a mini retrospective exhibition. I was trained as a fashion designer in London and it meant a lot to me to be able to see the masterpieces by Valentino up close.

Publicity photo for the exhibition in Rome, 2007.

The exhibition at Museum of the Ara Pacis, 2007.

In 2007, Valentino created an amazing retrospective exhibition in Rome to celebrate his 45 years as a couturier. Approximately 360 costumes and rare, archived materials were displayed through a spectacular display at the Museum of the Ara Pacis.

For those (that's me for one) who didn't get the chance to visit Rome during that time, will be able to see some of the rare pieces in Singapore very soon. From 22nd December 2010 to 13th February 2011, 100 exquisite haute couture pieces from the renowned Italian Maison Valentino will be displayed in a curated exhibition at Singapore’s first integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).

The inaugural Asian exhibition “Valentino, Retrospective: Past/Present/Future” featuring 100 haute couture looks from founder Valentino Garavani’s early designs to present-day creations by current Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli (who worked alongside Mr Garavani for a decade before their appointment), is developed by Les Arts Décoratifs of Paris and produced by Olga Iserlis, with assistance from the House of Valentino.

Sophisticated designs on display include those worn by Hollywood celebrities and members of high society around the world, such as Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. Pieces in the exhibition highlight Valentino's intricate techniques and trademark themes of embellishments.

Julia Roberts wearing a vintage Valentino gown at the 2001 Oscars. This dress will on display at the exhibition.

The exhibition will open to the public on 22nd December, daily from 11am to 8pm (Sundays to Thursdays) and 11am to 11pm (Fridays, Saturdays, eve of public holidays and public holidays). The exhibition will also be open for extended hours 11am to 11pm (2 to 3 February 2011). Tickets are priced at S$6 for children and S$12 for adults and are available at all SISTIC outlets and RWS.

Official Sites:
www.rwsentosa.com
www.sistic.com.sg