Valentino, Retrospective: Past/Present/Future is a major exhibition developed by Paris's renowned decorative arts museum, Les Arts Décoratifs. It explores the work of the celebrated Italian fashion house Valentino, known the world over for its sophisticated, timeless design and glamorous clientele.

Exclusive to Brisbane, the exhibition will feature a stunning array of haute couture designs tracing Valentino’s career from the 1959 opening of his fashion house in Rome through to the presentation of his final collection in January 2008, as well as recent designs from the house of Valentino.

The exhibition encompasses haute couture from the first collection designed in 1959 by the house's founder, Valentino Garavani, through to work from the Autumn/Winter 2009-10 collection. One hundred exquisite haute couture garments will reveal Valentino's mastery of the elegant line, classic form and opulent detail. Particular 'themes and variations' will be explored that unite Valentino's design approach across more than five decades: these include the recurrence of geometric patterns and graphic prints, the skilful use of fabric to create dramatic silhouettes, and of course the distinctive palette of black, white and 'Valentino red'.

Valentino, Retrospective: Past/Present/Future opens at GoMA on 7 August 2010, in what will be its exclusive presentation in Australia. This follows the exhibition's successful realisation in Paris in 2008, which was a celebration of Mr Garavani's forty-fifth and final collection presented in that year. The future direction of this most esteemed fashion label will be showcased through five designs by the House of Valentino's new creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli.

Designs from house of Valentino have been coveted and worn by European royalty, Hollywood celebrities and members of high society the world over. This magnificent exhibition will include garments worn by stars such as Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and more.

Valentino, Retrospective: Past/Present/Future will be complemented by an exhibition for children featuring work from the Gallery’s collection exploring the relationship between fashion and art.

Exhibition designed and realised by Les Arts Decoratifs, Paris, with the assistance of the Valentino fashion house. Organised in Australia by the Queensland Art Gallery and Art Exhibitions Australia.