Material Ball: Diamonds 2008 presented the North American premiere of the spring 2009 collection by world renowned fashion-designer Giambattista Valli. Gala guests enjoyed a spectacular evening, hosted by FashionTelevision's Jeanne Beker, raising over $150,000 (net) for textiles and costume priorities of the Royal Ontario Museum.

Special thanks to lead sponsor 2008: Alex and Simona Shnaider

Of Valli's spring 2009 collection, Jeanne Beker exclaimed: "I've seen countless fashion shows in my day, but rarely have I seen a collection--especially a ready-to-wear collection--with as much artistry, innovation, romance, and vision. We are so privileged to have this design genius show his spectacular creations at our event."

Material Ball was first held in 2002 to open the ROM’s own exhibition, Elite Elegance: Couture Fashion in the 1950’s. This is a sophisticated evening, with gracious seating and décor, tasteful entertainment and a stylish fashion show themed around a special exhibition or the ROM’s own collections. The event was a smashing success in 2002 and again in 2004 (Pearls).

Material Ball 2008 celebrated the special exhibition "The Nature of Diamonds". The event returns in 2010. Check back then for more details!