“Valentino: Master of Couture”, an exciting installation created specially for Somerset House, will showcase over 130 hand-crafted gowns worn by the biggest icons in history. What makes the exhibition even more interesting is that the outfits, made by the finest dressmakers and fashion specialists, have never been showcased in the UK before. The first two sections of the installation allow the visitors to discover the private side of Valentino through photographs from his personal archive and to experience a reversed couture fashion show where the visitors walk the catwalk to view a staggering one hundred and thirty Valentino haute couture designs. The final section reveals the painstaking processes of crafting couture exemplified by the stunning wedding dress of Princess Marie Chantal of Greece. In addition an especially commissioned group of films will allow behind-the scenes access to the Valentino atelier, where the craft of couture is demonstrated in a series of fascinating samples.

For more information, please visit Somerset House.

Image credits: Lorenzo Agius, Valentino with models 2007, © Lorenzo Agius