Valentino Retrospective to Show Exclusively in Brisbane

'Valentino, Retrospective: Past/Present/Future' Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), Brisbane, Australia 7 August - 14 November 2010

BRISBANE, Australia, June 1, 2010 - A major retrospective exhibition of the House of Valentino will show
exclusively at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), Brisbane from August 7 until
November 14, 2010.

Queensland Art Gallery Director Tony Ellwood said 'Valentino,
Retrospective: Past/Present/Future' incorporated a stunning array of
Valentino Garavani's haute couture designs from the late 1950s through to his
final collection in January 2008, as well as recent creations by Maria Grazia
Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli - appointed in October 2008 Creative Directors
for Valentino - highlighting the future direction of this most esteemed
fashion house.

Valentino was the first couture house outside of Paris to be officially
recognised by the French Government.

"The retrospective of 100 ensembles includes some of the most important
haute couture creations originally shown in the exhibition 'Valentino: Themes
and Variations' at Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris, in 2008," he said.

The exhibition explores Valentino's techniques and recurring motifs such
as ornamentation, the use of geometric and animal prints, frills, folds and
pleats as well as the creative possibilities of volume, surface and line.

Garments worn by Hollywood stars and high society figures such as Cate
Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and
others will be displayed along with the stunning black and white gown Julia
Roberts wore to the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001.

In addition to a number of ensembles from Valentino's noted 'White
Collection' from 1968, the exhibition features a selection of signature
'Valentino red' dresses, including one from the couturier's first collection
- 'Fiesta', a strapless cocktail dress in draped tulle from Spring/Summer
1959.

The exhibition, curated by Pamela Golbin, curator-in-chief for the
Fashion and Textiles collection of Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris, also considers
the future design direction of the Valentino label with five recent creations
from the House of Valentino's new creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and
Pier Paolo Piccioli.

"We are honoured to be the exclusive Australian venue for this
extraordinary exhibition that will engage followers of Valentino and fashion
lovers from all over the country," Mr Ellwood said.

A hardcover companion to the exhibition, published by Rizzoli, celebrates
Valentino Garavani's 49 year career, focusing on his most important and
emblematic haute couture designs. 'Valentino, Retrospective:
Past/Present/Future' is available for purchase at the Gallery Store and
online.

Exhibition designed and realised by Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris, with the
assistance of the Valentino fashion house. Organised in Australia by the
Queensland Art Gallery and Art Exhibitions Australia.

Images: www.qag.qld.gov.au/media/valentino

    MEDIA INQUIRIES: Amelia Gundelach,
                     Media Coordinator,
                     Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
                     Tel: +61-(0)-7-3840-7162 or +61-(0)-404-994-985
                     Fax: +61-(0)-7-3840-7257
                     E: amelia.gundelach@qag.qld.gov.au

Amelia Gundelach, Media Coordinator, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Tel: +61-(0)-7-3840-7162 or +61-(0)-404-994-985, Fax: +61-(0)-7-3840-7257, or amelia.gundelach at qag.qld.gov.au