An exhibition titled Gianni Versace Retrospective opened at the Groninger Museum on Saturday, December 3. Described by the museum as the largest exhibition of the late Italian fashion designer’s work ever, the retrospective honors the couturier’s trailblazing designs, showcases men’s and women’s outfits, accessories, drawings, interior designs, and footage of the legendary catwalk shows from the designer’s glory days between 1989 and 1997.
✨GIANNI VERSACE RETROSPECTIVE NU OPEN!✨
Wat een fantastische opening, als vanouds!
Gisteren vierden we de verjaardag van Gianni Versace met de opening van de grootste Gianni Versace tentoonstelling ooit gehouden. Dank aan iedereen die er bij kon zijn! 💛💙Hoop je snel te zien! pic.twitter.com/7r8SKqAt08— Groninger Museum (@groningermuseum) December 3, 2022
The Gianni Versace Retrospective is a colorful, daring, emotional exhibition that “takes visitors inside the eccentric Italian fashion designer’s world of extravagant clothing and lavish catwalk shows in which clothing, pop music and design come spectacularly together,” the museum said in its media release.
All items on display are original pieces sourced from private collections, the museum emphasized. They highlight how Versace linked fashion with music, photography and graphic design and led the way in the transformation of fashion shows and advertising campaigns into works of art.
The infamous safety pin gown that instantly shot then young and little-known Elizabeth Hurley to stardom back in 1994 is also on display. For those who are not in the loop, the dress still continues to be referenced as a piece of art and even has its own Wikipedia page.
A special section of the retrospective focuses on how Versace turned previously unknown models, such as Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer and Cindy Crawford, into superstars. Those who enjoy photography will also be able to see his advertising campaigns with such prominent photographers as Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, Peter Lindbergh and Bruce Weber.
The exhibition is curated by Versace experts Karl von der Ahé and Saskia Lubnow.
The Gianni Versace Retrospective will run till May 7, 2023.
