For Valentino’s first exhibition in the Middle East and largest in its history, the Maison celebrates sixty years of haute couture
Valentino is renowned for its dramatic, yet feminine creations and has been a staple in the wardrobes of royals, celebrities and tastemakers alike since Valentino Garavani’s debut haute couture collection in 1962. Now, the Maison is celebrating heritage with its first-ever exhibition in the Middle East. Forever Valentino arrives in Doha courtesy of Qatar Creates, an initiative designed to promote cultural activities within Qatar, in association with Qatar Museums. In true Valentino fashion, it marks the largest exhibition to ever be devoted to the House and is the Middle East’s first exhibition showcasing its creative achievements. Adding to the celebrations, its unveiling coincides with the founder’s 90th birthday.
Flamboyant gowns adorn mannequins in the “Roman Conversations” room
Simultaneously a retrospective and glimpse into the future of the Maison, Forever Valentino invites visitors to journey through the history of the House and marvel at more than 200 haute couture creations, ready-to-wear, and rarely seen, custom-made pieces worn by celebrities past and present – think: Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Zendaya. In addition, ensembles from the private collection of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser are available for viewing. Not only limited to fashion, the exhibition is a theatrical experience that brings Rome, the Maison’s hometown, to life through stunning scenography.
Forever Valentino was curated by a dream team comprising artistic director of the New Museum New York, Massimiliano Gioni; journalist, fashion critic and author Alexander Fury; and Pierpaolo Piccioli. “The legacy of Valentino Garavani – and therefore the meaning of Valentino – is to celebrate beauty, in all its incarnations, from every walk of life and every period of time,” explains Fury. “That noble quest, that ceaseless search for and celebration of beauty to better the world is, for me, Forever Valentino.”
Inside the exhibition’s first room, “A Palazzo”
See the exhibition at Gallery 1 and 2, M7 in Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar and is open from 28 October to 1 April 2023. Buy tickets
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Photographs courtesy of Valentino
