“Valentino: Master of Couture” is a major exhibition celebrating the life and work of this great Italian designer.

The exhibition, held at Somerset House in London until this last March 3rd, showcased over 130 exquisite haute couture designs worn by icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, and Sophia Loren.

Divided into three sections; the exhibition started with photographs (click on photo to enlarge and see slideshow) from Valentino’s personal archive, then with a couture fashion show where roles were reversed with visitors walking the catwalk to view a staggering one hundred and thirty Valentino haute couture designs, and finally with the painstaking processes of crafting couture exemplified by the stunning wedding dress of Princess Marie Chantal of Greece.

There were also a series of talks, screenings, and events to accompany the exhibition.

Focal Journey (by Gustavo Espinola)