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Gianni Versace's flamboyant style is now on display in Málaga! The Centro Cultural Fundación Unicaja is home to the impressive Gianni Versace Retrospective exhibition, which brings together 120 looks and some 400 original pieces. From designs for superstars like Elton John, Prince and Kate Moss to the revolutionary metallic mesh dresses and baroque prints that defined 90s fashion.

The exhibition takes you into Versace's world: a journey through opulent baroque, minimalism, punk and the supermodel revolution. You will discover how his extravagant style introduced a new kind of luxury, worn by the nouveau riche and icons like Lady Di. The influence of his Italian roots is evident, from classical Greek influences to the iconic Marilyn Monroe dress inspired by Warhol.

The exhibition begins with a contextual introduction. The first room shows Versace's life history, with highlights of his career and a video featuring his voice, created by Richard Avedon. His perfume, collaborations with artists such as Julian Schnabel and original invitations to his fashion shows give a unique insight into his world. There is also a reconstruction of his studio, complete with fabrics, buttons and accessories that give insight into his creative process.

The reconstruction of his Miami Beach mansion is special, complete with a bed with Versace bedspread and tropical designs full of seashells, starfish and palm trees. Here you will find designs that reflect the summery and luxurious atmosphere of the coast.

One floor up you will see Versace's creative universe. With Greek music playing in the background, you are taken back to his roots in Reggio di Calabria, a region teeming with influences from Greek and Roman antiquity. This inspiration can be seen in his early designs, in which he modernised classic gowns and introduced what would later become his trademark: metallic mesh, a fabric he called Oroton, creating a revolutionary, flowing look. 

One of the most striking sections of the exhibition is dedicated to his Baroque style, which focuses on extravagance. Here you can see the iconic gold-decorated shirts, detailed prints with chains, flowers and crowns, a style that was embraced by the nouveau riche of the 1990s, including countless rappers.

The evolution in his designs is also striking. Whereas in the early 1990s he was known for his lavish prints and luxurious details, he ended the period with an unexpected turn towards simplicity. His motto ‘simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’ led to a minimalist, sophisticated line that Princess Diana, among others, embraced after her divorce.

And of course, the legendary 1991 Freedom catwalk show, which marked the era of supermodels, cannot be missed. Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer walked the catwalk to the tones of George Michael, a moment that changed the fashion world forever. Unique backstage photos by Paolo Castaldi show a rare insight into this revolutionary show. 

Versace's strong connection with music and art is highlighted in the exhibition. Not only was he a close friend of Elton John and Prince, but he was also inspired by Andy Warhol, resulting, among other things, in a dress with the iconic face of Marilyn Monroe. Both Warhol and Versace were pioneers who were often copied, but both saw this as the best form of marketing.

The exhibition runs until 30 June and the entrance fee (3 euros) will entirely benefit local charities. A must-visit for fashion lovers and anyone who wants to experience the magic of Versace in the heart of Málaga at the Centro Cultural Fundación Unicaja de Málaga, Pl. Obispo, 6, Distrito Centro. (location here)

© All photos Marita Inc.