VENUS: An Artistic Reinterpretation of Valentino Garavani’s Fashion

Conceived as a dialogue between art, fashion and the city, VENUS – Valentino Garavani through the eyes of Joana Vasconcelos presents a contemporary reading of Valentino Garavani’s creative universe, seen through the distinctive and recognisable artistic language of Joana Vasconcelos. 

Rather than adopting a traditional museum approach, the exhibition unfolds as a fluid, non-linear journey that connects couture fashion, monumental installations and the urban context of Rome.

Spanning more than 1,000 square metres, the exhibition brings together 12 works by Joana Vasconcelos, including new site-specific installations, alongside 33 Haute Couture creations by Valentino Garavani, selected from the archive and curated by Pamela Golbin. 

The dialogue between art and fashion highlights shared themes of craftsmanship, materiality and the symbolic power of form. At the heart of the exhibition stands the monumental Valkyrie VENUS, a thirteen-metre-long installation conceived specifically for the space at Piazza Mignanelli 23. 

Created through an extensive participatory process involving more than 200 contributors, the work transforms textile and garment-making into a collective sculptural gesture, positioning fashion as both artistic expression and social practice.

The exhibition extends beyond the walls of Piazza Mignanelli 23, spreading across the city through public installations located at Piazza Mignanelli, Terrazza del Pincio and the Ara Pacis, further emphasising the connection between contemporary art, fashion and Rome’s urban landscape.

Fashion designer Valentino Garavani

As one of the defining figures of haute couture, Valentino Garavani shaped the language of elegance, proportion and exceptional craftsmanship over decades through a lifelong dedication to fashion as an artistic and cultural discipline. 

His work is characterised by a refined sense of form, meticulous attention to detail and an uncompromising pursuit of beauty, establishing a visual language that transcends seasonal trends and positions haute couture as a lasting cultural expression. 

Following his passing on 19 January 2026, VENUS resonates not only as a contemporary artistic dialogue, but also as a reflection on a creative legacy rooted in timeless values, artisanal excellence and a deeply human understanding of style as identity.

The VENUS – Valentino Garavani through the eyes of Joana Vasconcelos exhibition can be visited at the cultural space of the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti, located at Piazza Mignanelli 23 in Rome, until 31 May 2026.