On the 1st day of January 2011, I went to Resorts World Sentosa for a fashion exhibition – Valentino, Retrospective: Past/Present/Future, tickets with compliments from L’Officiel Magazine.
The heavy rain did not stop the enthusiastic crowd from heading towards the little island full of tourist attractions just a quarter of a mile off the southern coast. The place was so packed! Frankly speaking, I cannot recall the last time I visited Sentosa; I have lots of catching up to do!
Held at the Resorts World Convention Centre from 22 December 2010 to 13 February 2011, the exhibition boasts one hundred haute couture pieces from Valentino. These include works from early days of Valentino Garavani to contemporary designs by present Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli.
Classic actresses such as Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor and modern day celebrities including the likes of Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston are some of the many famous people dressed by the world-renowned Italian fashion house. This exhibition draws you right into their fascinating world of timeless fashion and art. You will be extremely taken, trust me. ;)
So, here we are! I love the look of the entrance. It seems to be saying, “Come in and be amazed.” (NB: Go to Hard Rock Cafe soon!)
Step through the black and white doors shown in the photo above and you will be greeted by the ticketing staff. Then, enter the exhibition through the heavy wooden doors and be taken aback as I was! LOL. I totally missed the sign at the counter which stated that low lighting is used within the gallery in order to preserve the dresses for future generations. Took my eyes a while to adjust to the darkness within. It is probably a good idea to bring along a jacket because it is freezing inside (plus, the rain didn’t help!).
The photo below shows the main display area. There are two walkways on either side of the main area.
Main display
I casted my eyes over the first piece, placed right in the middle of the main area. In case you were wondering, this is the same pink piece featured in the header at the main entrance. The highly controversial cape was worn by Lucy Liu during Paris Fashion Week (Haute Couture) Spring/Summer 2008. To show off the stunning garment, the back of the model faces the entrance. Pink organdy petals, anyone?
Valentino Evening Ensemble Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2007/08
The front
And I couldn’t resist but rush up to the next piece I saw, at the risk of looking like a complete twit! Recognise this? Jennifer Aniston wore the poppy red number at the London premiere of Along Came Polly in 2004. This strapless cocktail dress in draped tulle is truly timeless, isn’t it?
Valentino Cocktail Dress Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1959, ‘Fiesta’
As you admire the dresses, you should not neglect the beautiful lights hanging from the ceiling. IMO, the low lighting made the pieces appear more dramatic and created a museum-like atmosphere. Thankfully, everyone spoke in hushed tones in the spacious galleries. It was so quiet in there, you could hear echos of footsteps.
Anyway, back to the dresses. Remember when Julia Roberts received the Oscar for Best Actress in 2001 for her role in Erin Brockovich?
Halle Berry, Portia de Rossi, Julia Roberts, Golden Globe & Academy Awards, 2001 – 2006
Yup, she donned this black and white number for her win! Check out the amazing back details.
Valentino Evening Gown Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1992/93
Simple lines made beautiful
And what about Cate Blanchett at the Academy Awards in 2005 when she received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Aviator? This dress was made for her! Not everyone can pull off yellow, let alone look absolutely stunning in it. If you’ve seen pictures of Cate Blanchett in this taffeta dress, you’d know what I mean.
Besides the above, here are a couple of my favourite pieces from the main display area:
I love the organza and lace here!
Valentino Evening Dress Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2009/10
You may have already noticed the interesting texture of the gallery walls. Now, look at the suit below! That explains the origami wall surface, cleverly designed by architect Christian Biecher. When I first saw the pink ensemble, I thought “Chanel!” - okay, I guess I may have become a tad obsessed with Chanel.
Valentino Evening Suit Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2008
Moving on, I head towards the left gallery. The flooring is also Valentino-inspired – black and white are colours distinctive of Valentino.
Left corridor
These, I heart the most from the left gallery:
The shoulder ruffles are so pretty!
Wedding dress worn by Christina Onassis when she married Alexander Andreadis in 1975
This outfit looks comfy! Very interesting details on the overcoat.
Valentino Evening Ensemble Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1990/91
This dress got my attention because of the fringes. It kind of reminds me of cake, for some strange (but certainly good) reason. I like the model’s pose – it shows off the layers well.
Valentino Evening Dress Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2007/08
Trudging down towards the other side. The curved walls are signature red along both corridors.
Right corridor
Wedding dresses don’t have to be frilly or full. Well, at least Jackie O thought so! ;)
Wedding dress worn by Jacqueline Kennedy when she married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1968
This, you have to see in person, I insist! It’s so jaw-droppingly beautiful, and is 34781571 times shinier and sparklier in real life. Took my breath away.
And here’s me at the exhibition! :) I brought Chanel to meet Valentino.
There’s a lot more to share! I’ve put them in a slideshow for you here. Alternatively, if you prefer to look at the photos in a gallery format, scroll further! :)
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Tempted yet? :P
Valentino, Retrospective: Past/Present/Future opens from 11:00am to 8:00pm from Sundays to Thursdays and from 11:00am to 11:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays (inclusive of 2nd and 3rd February 2011 – that’s Lunar New Year for you!).
Tickets are priced at S$12.00 for adults and S$6.00 for children aged between 4 to 12 years.
Visit Resorts World Sentosa for more information.
Beautiful silhouettes, outstanding workmanship… These masterpieces right before your eyes. This is one exhibition that’s too haute to miss. Must go!
JTags: Academy Awards, Audrey Hepburn, Aviator, Cate Blanchett, Chanel, Christina Onassis, Coco Chanel, Dresses, Elizabeth Taylor, Erin Brockovich, Events, Exhibitions, Fashion, Golden Globe Awards, Halle Berry, Haute couture, Jackie O, Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, L'Officiel Magazine, Lucy Liu, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Oscars, Pier Paolo Piccioli, Portia de Rossi, Resorts World Sentosa, Sentosa, Valentino, Valentino Garavani, Valentino Retrospective: Past/Present/Future, Wedding dress
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