"What is wonderful for women is that he is committed to making us look better than ever, he's a warrior for women," actress Anne Hathaway told reporters on the red carpet entrance to the exhibit swarming with photographers and camera crews.

The retrospective also showed off old pencil sketches and about 300 dresses made by the designer, including sequined and ruffled evening gowns worn by stars like Audrey Hepburn that first catapulted the designer to fame several decades ago.

"I love women and I love to make women look wonderful," Valentino said, adding that over the years he hated the grunge look because it was "outrageous" while the minimalism phase was an "offence" because it made women look like "little nuns."

On Saturday, the stylist will unveil his fall collection in a former church complex by the Vatican before hosting another lavish gala in the lush gardens of Villa Borghese. The festivities end on Sunday with the launch of a new perfume.