Culture Shock: GIANNI VERSACE, IN RETROSPECT
On the 25th anniversary of Gianni Versace’s passing, The Groninger Museum’s retrospective exhibition honors the undying legacy of the Italian visionary
Versace, Versace, Versace! Brimming with sex appeal, Gianni Versace’s namesake captured the fashion world’s attention, with a sensual approach to classic favorites. Versace’s slinky evening wear rocked the fashion stage throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, seen on an excess of supermodels, including Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and Helena Christensen.
Now, Versace’s work will once again take center stage at The Groninger Museum in the Netherlands with a decade-spanning retrospective surveying the beloved designer’s most prominent work. “Gianni Versace was a mirror of his time, of the upheaval at that time,” exhibition curators Karl von der Ahé and Saskia Lubnow share. “An era when the walls came down and everyone dreamed of freedom.”
The vivacious exhibition celebrates his trailblazing efforts and features famous fabrics, sketches, and catwalk footage. It also takes a retroactive view of Versace’s collaborations with Andy Warhol, Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, and Peter Lindbergh. Through the museum’s extravagant display, the Versace name, and thus, his legacy of glitz, glamour, and empowerment continue to live on.
Gianni Versace Retrospective is on view at the Groninger Museum December 2, 2022 through May 7, 2023.