Topshop Tori: Valentino: Master of Couture

A couple of weeks ago i had some days off work (before the snow hit!) and managed to pop up to London to see the Valentino Exhibition at Somerset House. So glad i did as it was absolutely breathtaking!

The exhibition is made up of three rooms. Upon entry is an introduction to the master himself, gorgeous sketches of his designs (oh how i wish i could draw!) and correspondences to and from his closest friends and fans. Picture lots of beautiful handwriting and old fashioned letters. Some things emails just can't touch.

The next room was the one you may have seen pictures from. A long corridor made up of around 135 dresses, some distinctively famous and others just outstandingly detailed.

Upon entry you get given a gorgeous little guidebook, complete with dress description and glossary incase you aren't couture enough to know the meaning of the techniques (examples below). Oh to own couture!

Oscar winner Julia Roberts' dress was there!

Don't you just adore Valentino red?

This was one of my favourite Valentino pieces at the exhibition. So intricate and pretty - like it was from a much older time. Gorgeous.

The final room held the most divine wedding dress which Valentino designed for Princess Marie Chantal of Greece. There was also a little room which showed some clips about Valentino and his amazing archive website Valentino Garavani Online Museum . Almost as good as the exhibition if you cannot make it to London. Any designers in the making or those who love a bit of DIY can also see a seamstress re-creating some of the detail used on Valentino's designs. Want to make a rose for a dress or corsage? The videos will show you how. So clever and skilled - more than i am with a needle and thread.

The Rose, a massive theme and symbol of Valentino was visible throughout the exhibition and the one below was on the outside as you exited the Gift Shop. Much prettier than some dusty old museum ey?