Starting May 25, a unique exhibition, “Orizzonti/Rosso” (Horizons/Red), opened in Rome at the new PM23 exhibition space, established by the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation. The name PM23 refers to the address of Palazzo Gabrielli Mignanelli at Piazza Mignanelli 23—a 16th-century Renaissance palace located near the Spanish Steps, adjacent to Valentino’s headquarters. The exhibition is dedicated to the legendary Valentino Red, a distinctive shade of red created by Valentino Garavani early in his career. This immersive display explores the color red as a visual, symbolic, and identity-shaping force, integral to the brand’s DNA.

 

Valentino Red: A Symbol of the Fashion House

Valentino’s love for red began in his youth when, as a student, he attended the opera “Carmen” in Barcelona. “All the costumes on the stage were red… All the women in the boxes were mostly dressed in red, and they leaned forward like geraniums on balconies, and the seats and drapes were red too… I realized that after black and white, there was no finer color,” the designer recalled.

 

Valentino’s formula for the perfect red consists of 100% magenta, 100% yellow, and 10% black. This shade first came to life in the dress “La Fiesta” from his debut Spring/Summer 1959 collection—a strapless, short tulle gown adorned with roses at the hem (see a featured image). Since then, red has been a hallmark of every Valentino collection. The shade is patented and recognized by the Pantone Color Institute.

 

Horizons/Red

The exhibition spans six rooms, divided into five thematic chapters that explore beauty, identity, and the emotional power of color. At its core are 50 archival red dresses designed by Valentino Garavani over his 50-year career, each meticulously restored.

 

Visitors can also view 30 striking artworks dedicated to the color red, created by renowned artists such as Cy Twombly, Francis Bacon, and Louise Bourgeois. These pieces complement the dresses, fostering a dialogue between fashion and art.

 

How to Attend the Exhibition

The exhibition is currently accessible only through exclusive invitations for PM23 newsletter subscribers. General admission will open on June 11 and continue until October 2025. Tickets will go on sale starting June 6.

 

For more details, visit the official PM23 website.