1959 marked the birth of a new era in fashion. When a structured sleeveless tulle midi dress, dubbed Fiesta and adorned with sculpted roses, walked down the halls of an intimate atelier in Rome, it was clear the established hierarchy of fashion monarchs had acquired a new member - Valentino Garavani. Today the house's legacy, which has stretched over more than six decades, is still unfolding.
"My mind goes to the Fiesta dress, from 1959 Valentino Garavani's first collection," the brand's creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli tells me of his favourite couture dress. "Not only is it a majestic piece of work, but it embodies a love for couture and a passion for graceful details. Being the first of many important pieces, Fiesta has all the spontaneity of the beginning; it opens the path to a wonderful story."
Fiesta marked the first time Valentino Red became the staunch symbol of the house, as well as the beginning of a long tradition of including at least one piece in the colour in each of its shows. Those not fluent in fashion history might recognise Fiesta as a piece worn by Jennifer Aniston in 2004 to the premiere of Along Came Polly.
To celebrate its founder's 90th birthday, the house is staging the Forever Valentino exhibition at M7, Msheireb Downtown Doha in Qatar, which is open to the public until Apr 1. In sections themed Palazzo, Beginnings, Des Ateliers, Capriccio Romano, Di.Vas, Parade, Wunderkammer, Archaeologies, Cahiers de Defile and Roman Conversations, more than 200 haute couture and prêt-à-porter pieces occupy 10 of the museum's rooms. "It's an open dialogue between Mr Valentino and me," says Piccioli. "I feel the need to share this evolutive process and highlight some stable key points once they've reached their highest result."
This story is from the January 2023 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2023 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GLAMOUR AND BEYOND
PRESTIGE'S BEYOND THE HORIZON BALL PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS.
RACING BULL
Lamborghini's breakthrough plug-in hybrid, the Revuelto, might be the supercar it needs to pull ahead in the electrification space race.
SYMPHONY OF THE SENSES
Prestige sits down with world-class pianist and Rolex Testimonee HÉLÈNE GRIMAUD as she shares her journey through sound and silence.
Tapestry of the Heart
Jaipur Rugs, which recently launched in Singapore, is one of India's largest manufacturers of hand-knotted rugs. Its secret commitment to a social mission of equality and empathy.
FJORDS, FREEDOM AND FINE FOOD
Oceania Cruises' Riviera will make its debut voyage to Alaska in 2025, bringing guests deep into the wilderness of America's northernmost state while delivering The Finest Cuisine at Sea.
LESSONS FROM THE LONG ROAD
An extended cruise from Vancouver to Tokyo proves that to go further and deeper, you sometimes have to slow down.
Checks and Balance
Louis Vuitton's latest fine jewellery range, Le Damier de Louis Vuitton, is inspired by the house's Damier check. Artistic director for watches and jewellery FRANCESCA AMFITHEATROF takes us through the process.
IN DAZZLING FORM
Powered by a new movement, the Asia Pacific exclusive editions of the Round Skeleton Baguette 31 editions by Franck Muller sparkle with baguette-cut diamonds or coloured precious gemstones.
A TIME FOR SQUARE
In October, Patek Philippe unveiled its first wholly new collection of timepieces in 25 years. Prestige Singapore was among the first in the world to see the Cubitus trio of timepieces and find out how they were created.
STILL THE ONE
With a distinctive design including an off-centre dial, outsize date and an asymmetrical layout, the Lange 1 stood out from the horological pack when it was launched in 1994. It continues to do so even today, three decades on.
