An exhibition dedicated to the career of Valentino Garavani, “Valentino Retrospective: Past/Present/Future,” just opened in Singapore, having transferred from Queensland. On display are 100 haute couture pieces ranging from Valentino’s designs from his first collection in 1959 to present-day creations by current Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. The pieces - suits, coats, dresses - are presented in minimalist glass cabinets. Some will look very familiar, such as the simple black and white dress worn by Julia Roberts at the Oscar. Over five decades the celebrated Italian designer has incorporate recurrent themes in this designs, such as geometric patterns and graphic prints, pleats, bows and flounces, the skilful use of fabric to create dramatic silhouettes and, of course, the distinctive palette of black, white and ‘Valentino red’. Valentino retired in January 2008 after presenting his final collection at the Musée Rodin in Paris. The fashion house is now owned by Permira private equity fund, the Marzotto family and their partners.