A major new exhibition celebrating the life and work of Valentino will open at Somerset House this November. “Valentino: Master of Couture” will be a glamorous exhibition focusing exclusively on haute couture created by the legendary Italian designer. Featuring dresses from the couture catwalk and red carpet, as well as designs commissionedby private clients, this exhibition brings together a comprehensive collection of couture, much of which has never been seen outside the Valentino atelier; giving visitors a rare glimpse behind the closed doors of Valentino’s world. This exhibition will showcase over 130 hand-crafted designs worn by icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Gwyneth Paltrow. A prophetic designer and creator of exquisite, beautiful clothes, this is Valentino as he has never been seen before.

“Each of these designs have a beautiful story,” says Valentino. “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, so 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 exhibition will run from 29 November 2012 – 3 March 2013 in the Embankment Galleries at Somerset House, London. Admission is £12.50, Concessions £9

For further Information visit the website, the facebook and twitter pages, use the hashtag #ValentinoExhibition and not forgetting the Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum Facebook and Twitter @ValentinoMuseum