The name Valentino is synonymous with the creme de la creme of dresses, and from now until February 13, 2011, be treated to 100 of his couture concoctions at Resorts World Sentosa.

“Valentino Retrospective: Past/Present/Future" is the first exhibition in Asia to showcase the renowned Italian Maison Valentino's masterpieces, worn by glamorous
Hollywood and high society celebrities such as Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and others. The display had previously been shown only in Paris and Brisbane, and will return to its home in Rome to be archived by the House of Valentino after it ends in Singapore.

The retrospective displays one hundred exquisite haute couture pieces ranging from founder Valentino Garavani's early designs to present-day creations by current Valentino Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli.

Valentino Garavani, who lent his name to his haute couture label, Valentino, is best known for his perfectionism, creative use of volume, line and texture, as well as the recurring use of motifs such as geometric patterns, graphic prints, pleats, bows and flounces that add shape to each collection. Valentino's designs are well known for its distinctive palette of black, white and his signature "Valentino red" (Rosso Valentino).

And it is so precious that it has been insured for 17 million pounds (S$29.5m).

The exhibition space is something to be marvelled at too. Designed by Christian Biecher, an architect who has designed civil buildings in France, Japan, China, including a cultural center at place des Fêtes in downtown Paris, it echoes the trademark designs that Valentino favoured in his gowns - from black and white checkerboard, undulating shapes, his love for origami and his favoured use of dramatic colours such as red and pink.

The 100 gowns are on display and will be open to the public daily from 11am – 8pm on Sundays to Thursdays and 11am – 11pm on Fridays, Saturdays, eve of public holidays and public holidays. The exhibition will also be open for extended hours 11am – 11pm from 2 – 3 February 2011.

Tickets will be available to MasterCard cardholders for priority booking from now to 2 December, and thereafter to general public at all SISTIC outlets, at www.sistic.com.sg or
www.rwsentosa.com. Tickets are priced at S$6 for children and S$12 for adults.

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