A Splash of Valentino in Rome

In the summer of 2007, we wandered into something unique—Valentino a Roma, a dazzling exhibition at the Ara Pacis complex. Ancient altar meets haute couture? Only in Rome! 😉

Valentino Collection at Ara Pacis, Rome

The Ara Pacis, originally built in 9 BC to honor Emperor Augustus and celebrate peace, usually evokes solemn grandeur. But that summer, it became a runway of dreams—lined with gowns that had lit up red carpets across the world.

Celebrating 45 years of Valentino Garavani’s career, the show filled the museum with iconic gowns—many in his signature fiery red. Not just any red—Valentino red. Bold, elegant, unforgettable. Worn by the likes of Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Princess Diana, and countless others.

Seeing these masterpieces up close, surrounded by Roman history, felt surreal. Silk and sequins in the shadow of empire. The contrast was striking—and it worked.

Rome gave us ruins, art, and pasta. But that day, it also gave us glamour, stitched in red.