My Valentino Perspective

Photograph: Natasha Harth

The Valentino, Perspective: Past/Present/Future exhibition has been over for almost three weeks now and I'm just glad that I received a pair of Fashion Up Late tickets from Study Brisbane to check it out once more before it ended. As I mentioned before, I've been to the exhibition once already but it's true that you discover something new that you missed out previously everytime you look.

GoMA was the only venue in Australia to feature the exhibition which had wowed visitors overseas. It does say something about how Brisbane is fast rising to become a fashionable city just like her Sydney and Melbourne sisters. I heard from my store manager at thefleetstore that the exhibition at London had mannequins enclosed in glassboxes so I can't help but feel how lucky we are here in Brisbane to be able to see his masterpieces up-close. And guess what, this exhibition will come to Singapore too!


Photograph: theage.com.au

Anyways no offense to Valentino lovers, I found some pieces in the retrospective somewhat hideous and dated but I have to admit he is a man committed to his craft. Majority of his garments look amazing and definitely look like a hell lotta work has gone into it. Having that said, I love his mission - which is to make women look as elegant as they can be. His dresses are really beautiful and many celebrities/ high profile women had gone to him for couture evening gowns.


This Valentino dress worn by Cate Blanchett in 2005 is on display at the exhibition.


This black dress is my favourite. I like how it makes the wearer a gift, waiting to be unwrapped. ;)

Katy Lysaught, one-half of the design duo from Francis Leon was present to give a talk later in the evening. She shared her thoughts on the exhibition, and also answered questions about her design process and her work.

Then I scooted off after the talk to the cinematheque to catch 'Fendi: The Day Before', which documented the Italian fashion house and its creative director Karl Lagerfeld's journey in getting their showcase ready.



Karl Lagerfeld, is a genius. I love how he can easily pick up a pencil and start drawing, and he may look very emotionless but you can definitely get a feel of his character and spirit through his words. I love how dedicated and passionate his team is in order to realise his vision. I understand how much work goes into making a luxury item and I'm never going to complain about the price again because I witness how the artisans hand-stitch the items. I love the documentary, it showed me how crazy and fast-paced this industry can get when it comes to showtime. The industry where pieces can be cancelled in a heartbeat, countless revisions are made and how you work till the minute before your masterpiece goes out.... I can only say, I'm dying to be part of this creative chaos. To be in a creative environment and be in a constant state of flux... this is the kind of life I want to lead.