Valention and his famous red dresses in the background
The Gallery of Modern Art is fast dispelling Brisbane’s notorious reputation as a ‘cultural backwater’ with a major retrospective exhibition of the House of Valentino to be held exclusively from 7 August until 14 November 2010.
While members of the fairer sex will understand the gravity and importance of such an exhibition, many men will scratch their heads in wonder of just who Valentino is?
In the late 1950s, Valentino Garavani forged a place as one of Italy’s finest fashion designers and became known the world over as the undisputed ambassador of elegance with his classic designs adorning royalty and the rich and famous.
Queensland Art Gallery Director Tony Ellwood can hardly contain his excitement at attracting such a prestigious display.
“We are honoured to be the exclusive Australian venue for this extraordinary exhibition that will engage followers of Valentino and fashion lovers from all over the country”, Mr Ellwood said.
“Valentino, Retrospective: Past/Present/Future” incorporates a stunning array of Valentino Garavani’s haute couture designs from the late 1950s through to his final collections in January 2008.
Haute couture refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing and Mr Ellwood said the exhibition will be comprised of 100 ensembles, including some of Valentino’s most important haute couture creations.
“Garments worn by Hollywood stars and high society figures such as Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and Julia Roberts will be displayed”, he said.
“The exhibition explores Valentino’s techniques and recurring motifs such as ornamentation, the use of geometric and animal prints, frills, folds and pleats as well as the creative possibilities of volume, surface and line’, he said.
Self proclaimed fashionista and Brisbane resident, Dwan Cherrington, said she was really excited about the chance to see dresses worn by so many noted celebrities.
“It’s one thing to see them in glossy magazines, but quite another to see them in real life”, Ms Cherrington said.
“I’m sure every dress has its own story”, she enthused.
Useful links:
Gallery of Modern Art: http://qag.qld.gov.au/
