Valentino Review

50 Years of

Valentino:

A review of the Master’s London Exhibition Disappointed. The only word that comes to mind after leaving the rather bleak and simple gift shop as one steps out into the cold of London yet again.

Seeing the excitement of others’ faces saddens me, as they are going to enter the exhibition after following the playful red arrows, upon seeing a magnificent vibrant red drape accompanying the winding staircase down.

However, despite the disappointment I do applaud the personal touch in the first room, presenting intimate letters, invites, photos and even some of Valentino’s illustration designs, described as “rare to see”.

As well as the opportunity to see the exquisite detailing in the 137 dresses, displayed as a catwalk – but to make the viewer feeling the model walking down, well, attempting to as they follow the informative brochure describing each garment; as the (one might add) cheap mannequins, spectate you from various angles, some sitting, others standing.

Leaving the stretch of catwalk, one emerges to a glorious view of a beautiful wedding dress raised on a light box – once made for Marie Chantal Miller with a 4.5-meter train spread out delicately, the transparency of the 12 types of lace allowing the fantastic garment to light up, capturing the viewers eyes. An excellent visual to make the audience almost forget, (might I stress almost) the shameful tribute to the great Italian designer.

In front of this marvelous white beacon of lace, is a small room, surrounded wall to wall in red. This room presents a documentary of Valentino – however the lack of benches and size of room, makes it feel like an office elevator during lunch break, filled with claustrophobia.

Not pleasant.

Once again, I talk about the unfortunate gift shop. White and plastic, with little merchandise – the only decorations are the cheap looking mannequins dressed in some of his prêt-à-porter, rotating with accessories by the feet.

On the wall, there are various pieces of fashion photography with his designs showcased – possibly to cover the bare white walls, filling the emptiness of the room.

Overall, it was a fair attempt to showcase the great Valentino’s work. However the only good points were the dresses, the entrance and the apparently rare, intimacy of his work.

Nevertheless I believe that it is virtually impossible to be able to come up with an exhibition worthy for Mr Garavani – a future challenge possibly?

Watch this space…