Is fashion art? By hosting the exclusive to Brisbane,
Valentino, Retrospective: Past/Present/Future, the Gallery of Modern Art at South Bank answers the question with a very definite YES, fashion is art!
The exhibition traces the history of the fashion house from its creation in 1959 by
Valentino Garavani through to the Autumn/Winter 2009-2010 collection which was designed by current
Valentino creative directors, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli.
During the 50 year history of Valentino, the fashion house has dressed many famous names in the world including Hollywood stars and royalty. On display at the Gallery of Modern Art during the Valentino Retrospective: Past/Present/Future exhibition include dresses worn by Cate Blanchett, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Nicole Kidman and Elizabeth Taylor. A highlight of the exhibition is the vintage black dress with white piping worn by
Julia Roberts at the 2001 Oscars.
As well as the exhibition of exquisitely detailed creations, the Gallery of Modern Art is offering a variety of programs to enhance the experience of exhibition visitors (unfortunately this doesn't include opportunities to try Valentino's creations for size).
Up Late on Friday nights features a cocktail bar, live music and talks by local designers on the creative process. Daily guided tours at 11am, noon and 2pm provide background information on the 100 ensembles that comprise the Valentino Retrospective: Past/Present/Future exhibition.
An illustrated lecture series on the 50 years of fashion history will take place on Saturdays and Cinemathique will feature a variety of fashion related films and documentaries including weekly screenings of Valentino: The Last Emperor 2008.
The Valentino Retrospective: Past/Present/Future exhibition opens on 7 August 2010 and will run at the Gallery of Modern Art, South Bank until 14 November 2010. Tickets cost $20 for adults. South Brisbane train station and the Cultural Centre Busway are the nearest
public transport stations and paid parking is available at the Queensland Art Gallery and other nearby
carparks.
Images & Video
Trailer for Valentino: The Last Emperor
A collection of black dresses by Valentino at the exhibition "Valentino a Roma" at Museo Ara Pacis in Rome
Valentino Wedding Dress
Valentino - 45 Years of Style, Ara Pacis Augustae
