HIGH APPAREL

Versace at the V&A

A major retrospective of the work of fashion designer Gianni Versace (1946-1997) is currently on display at the V&A and runs until 12 January 2003. It is the largest exhibition the V&A has ever dedicated to one fashion designer and features the most comprehensive collection of originals ever exhibited from the Versace archives.

After completing an apprenticeship at his mother's dressmaking business the young Versace became a freelance designer. More than 30 years later over 130 of his creations illustrate his life's work. Influences include ballet and the theatre, ancient Greece and Rome, Lichtenstein and Warhol. Designs are lavish and extravagant elevated by sequins, beads and gilt.

The craft of his work is displayed in layering techniques ('two-in-one' dresses), experimentation with pleating and innovations in inventing Oroton a metal mesh (otherwise known as chain-mail) which hangs like silk but is much heavier and stronger.

To complement the exhibition there is a rare opportunity to handle examples of clothing and fabric and to see moving images of this most flamboyant designer who's offerings command respect and induce outrage.

Many of Versace's designs are high profile and have achieved iconic status by way of celebrity patronage. Those on show at Versace at the V&A include works worn by Princess Diana, Elton John, Madonna, Courtney Love and 'that' dress worn by Elizabeth Hurley to the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral.

The exhibition also includes a section dedicated to Donatella Versace, who says the exhibition evokes the genius of her brother's work, displaying the Jungle Print dress worn by Jennifer Lopez to the MTV Music Awards 2001.

Notes: Further information from www.vam.ac.uk A selection of high quality images may be downloaded from www.imagenet.co.uk

Lucia Jig
15.10.02