Valentino set for major haute couture expo

A new exhibition focusing on Valentino's haute couture designs will open at London's Somerset House this November, it was announced last week, with famous creations including the vintage gown worn by Julia Roberts as she accepted her 2001 Oscar to appear in the collection.

Over 130 gowns spanning the Italian creator's career will feature, with outfits worn by style icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren to be showcased.

Entitled Valentino: Master of Couture, the exhibit will run for three months and will be divided into three sections: the designer's history, catwalk creations and the workings of the Valentino atelier.

"Each of these designs has a beautiful story," said Valentino in a statement.

"The atelier crafted each so diligently by hand, taking hours, sometimes days to complete. The details are incredibly intricate. Though outside the runway shows and events, the dresses have rarely been seen. To be able to showcase these designs at Somerset House, where they can be seen in great detail by the public, is very unique."

The event will have some crossover with another important fashion exhibition in the UK capital -- Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 at London's Victoria & Albert museum -- which opened in May and runs until January 2013. It presents ballgowns, red carpet evening dresses and catwalk showstoppers designed by British fashion designers such as Jenny Packham and Alexander McQueen.

Valentino: Master of Couture will run November 29 - March 3, 2013 at Somerset House.

For more details visit: http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/valentino