As part of the ongoing cultural movement Qatar Creates in association with Qatar Museums, Maison Valentino has revealed its first major exhibition in the Middle East; “Forever Valentino”.
This major perspective exhibition that pays homage to its founder Valentino Garavani, the Maison’s home of Rome and its still-unfolding heritage of Haute Couture excellence. This exclusive retrospective is taking place at M7, the design and innovation hub located in Msheireb Downtown Doha, and will continue until 1 April 2023.
The exhibition explores Valentino’s Haute Couture codes and offers a stunning theatrical experience through the journey of the Maison. For the opening night, Artistic Director Pierpaolo Piccioli opened the exhibition alongside Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa. Her Excellency said: “With the world’s eyes on Doha as we launch into our exciting schedule of events surrounding the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, I am proud that we are welcoming the public to an exhibition that is as imaginative, glamorous, and elegant as the subject itself: the creations of Maison Valentino. I express my warmest thanks to everyone who collaborated with us to realize this tribute to a great artistic vision, and I look forward to continuing to share extraordinary explorations of the best of fashion and design.”
The opening of Forever Valentino coincides with the 90th birthday of Valentino Garavani and the reveal of the Valentino Autumn/Winter 2022 Haute Couture collection “The Beginning” which took place in Rome earlier this year. The exhibition is conceived as a vast panoramic view of the history of the Maison, embedded in scenography evoking the Eternal City, which has been Valentino’s home since its foundation in 1959. It builds a dream-like image of the city guiding viewers in and out of palazzos, squares, and courtyards, while simultaneously allowing exclusive access to secluded, intimate spaces such as the celebrated Valentino Ateliers, the storied archives of the Maison, and the fitting salons in the fabled headquarters of Piazza Mignanelli.
FOREVER VALENTINO – PIERPAOLO PICCIOLI
Throughout a reconstruction of some of Rome’s iconic locations, visitors will find Valentino’s creations, displayed in dialogue with many of the sources of inspiration that have stirred up the creativity of both the founder Valentino Garavani and his successor Pierpaolo Piccioli.
Forever Valentino will feature over 200 Valentino Haute Couture pieces and pret-à-porter outfits and accessories presented on mannequins and displayed in an immersive scenography. The craftsmanship and beauty of these pieces is woven throughout the journey of the house and the city of Rome.
Highlight pieces on display include rarely seen ensembles designed for the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy and, more recently, Zendaya, along with pieces from the private collection of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, a long-standing client of Valentino.
“Forever Valentino” is curated by Massimiliano Gioni, Artistic Director of the New Museum New York, and fashion critic and author Alexander Fury, working closely with Valentino Creative Director, Pierpaolo Piccioli. Massimiliano Gioni said of the showcase; “working on a fashion exhibition is an absolute exception for me and I couldn’t think of a better opportunity than presenting the work of Maison Valentino and collaborating with Pierpaolo Piccioli, Alexander Fury and the many great teams that have made this exhibition possible. Working in Doha is always very special: it’s a place where dreams of artists come alive and working on this show has really been somewhat of a dream, or perhaps a ‘capriccio’, a flight of fantasy that only in Doha could become a reality.”
Alexander Fury added: “Maison Valentino is one of the world’s most important fashion houses, led today by Pierpaolo Piccioli, undoubtedly one of the great designers of our time. It has been an honour and privilege to work alongside Massimiliano Gioni, Pierpaolo and the whole Maison Valentino team on this exhibition – on the awe-inspiring and slightly incredible task of bringing Rome to Doha, transporting a context along with Valentino’s creations. The legacy of Valentino Garavani – and therefore the meaning of Valentino – is to celebrate beauty, in all its incarnations, from every walk of life and every period of time. That noble quest, that ceaseless search for and celebration of beauty to better the world is, for me, Forever Valentino.”
Visitors can view the exhibition at Gallery 1 and 2, M7, in Msheireb Downtown Doha, from 28 October 2022 to 1 April 2023. Tickets can be purchased through the Qatar Creates website, with special access and discounts for One Pass holders: www.qacreates.com.
