The Unicaja Foundation in Malaga is currently hosting a retrospective of Gianni Versace’s work, offering visitors a chance to explore the life, travels, and creative inspirations of the iconic designer. The exhibition features over 500 original pieces, including clothing, accessories, photographs, fabrics, drawings, and prototypes, all of which highlight Versace’s lasting influence on fashion.
The exhibit begins by tracing Versace’s early life in Italy and follows his career through key locations like Milan, New York, and Miami Beach. It showcases pieces from different phases of his career, culminating in his fall/winter 1997-1998 collection. A special focus is given to the 1990s, a decade that defined much of his legacy.
Curated by Karl Von der Ahé and Saskia Lubnow, the exhibition is divided into nine sections, each exploring a different source of inspiration for Versace. These include his fascination with South Beach, Greek culture (Magna Graecia), Baroque art, Pop Art, Supermodels, a minimalist “Simply Beautiful” aesthetic, Punk, and Bondage. The 1980s section delves into his early influences, showing how he incorporated Greek symbols and aesthetics into his designs. It also highlights how he adapted to the cultural shifts of the time, drawing inspiration from television, nightclubs, and artists like Andy Warhol. The exhibit includes looks he created for famous figures such as Madonna, Bon Jovi, Elton John, and Prince.
The 1990s section focuses on Versace’s time in Miami Beach and how its rich, multicultural energy shaped his summer collections. This period saw the use of marine motifs, classic cars, Art Deco elements, and bold colors. It was also during this time that he created his Bondage collection, which combined leather and metal, and his Punk collection, which reimagined rebellious style with a luxurious twist. Later in the decade, Versace shifted toward a “Simply Beautiful” aesthetic, featuring simpler, more accessible designs.
In addition to the clothing, the exhibition includes never-before-seen behind-the-scenes photos from fashion shows, a recreation of Versace’s workshop with prototypes and fabric samples, and a variety of accessories, fabrics, and drawings. The exhibit is open at the Unicaja Foundation Cultural Center in Malaga until June 30th.
Photography by Paula Caballero
