Gianni Versace Exhibition: Versace's Legacy Comes to Life in London

One of the biggest fashion highlights of the year has finally arrived—and trust me, I’ve been counting down the days. As a former fashion student, Gianni Versace always felt like a mix of magic and mystery.For my generation, he was the legend we never got to truly experiencein real time—the brilliant designer whose life was tragically cut short. Seeing his legacy come to life in this exhibition was both inspiring and bittersweet. Especially when I saw one of his final quotes: “Wait till you see what’s coming in 1998.” Heartbreaking. We’ll never know how much more he could have given the world.

Now, let’s talk about the exhibition...

The Gianni Versace Retrospective is everything you’d expect from the House of Versace—glamorous, dramatic, and larger than life. It’s the first and largest showcase of his work ever seen in the UK, with over 450 original pieces pulled from private collections around the globe—many of which have never been on display here before.

This new exhibition takes a deeper dive into Gianni’s world with three key themes:

• His Italian roots and how the country’s rich cultural history influenced his work

  
  

• His love for London and connection to British culture

  
  

• A full timeline of his collections from Autumn/Winter 1987/88 through to his final one in 1997/98

  
  

Spoiler: it’s absolutely incredible.

Versace was never about playing it safe. He was bold—his designs bursting with colour, sensuality, and confidence. Pop art, punk, royalty, religion—you name it, he pulled inspiration from it all. He didn’t just make clothes; he created moments. He practically launched the supermodel era and helped turn fashion into the celebrity-fuelled spectacle we know today.

The exhibition kicks off by exploring Gianni’s Italian heritage.Think: neo-baroque motifs, religious iconography, and one stunning embroidered leather jacket with a crucifix from his AW91/92 collection(it’s a standout moment, I promise).

Then, it takes you into his creative world. Picture a mock-up of his actual studio—rolls of fabric, sketches with handwritten notes, buttons, pins, and Kodak photo prints. You get a real sense of just how involved and hands-on he was.

And it’s not just about the clothes. The exhibit also shines a light on Gianni as a branding genius. He brought in world-famous photographers like Richard Avedon and made icons out of models like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss. He expanded the Versace empire into accessories, fragrances, homeware, and of course, that signature gold Medusa jewellery.

One of my favourite surprisesHis love for British culture. I had no idea he designed for Princess Diana—let alone had a whole collection dedicated to her. Total goosebumps moment.

And of course, we couldn’t talk about Versace without mentioning the safety pin dress. Inspired by British punk, it became a pop culture phenomenon when Liz Hurley wore it to the Four Weddings and a Funeralpremiere. It didn’t just skyrocket Versace into the mainstream—it made Liz a household name overnight.

The setting of the exhibition is just as bold as the fashion. Housed in a dramatic red-brick railway arch, it channels the gritty glamour of '90s nightlife—a vibe the curators believe Gianni himself would’ve loved. And here’s the best part: nothing is behind glass. You can get right up close to study the details, the stitching, the cuts—it’s heaven for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship.

One particularly memorable moment for me? Seeing the iconic Andy Warhol’s painted Marilyn Monroe dress worn by Naomi Campbell. I’ve been obsessed with that look forever, and I was lucky enough to see it once before at the Naomi Campbell exhibition. But there, it was tucked away behind a glass wall in a dark room. This time, seeing it in full light with no barriers—just a hand touch away—was surreal. Honestly, I believe it's been my favourite moment of the whole show.

From Diana’s elegant pieces to iconic looks worn by Naomi, Kate, Elton, Liz, and George Michael—it honestly feels like stepping into a glossy fashion magazine from the '90s.

Final thoughtsIf you love fashion—even just a little—you need to see this exhibition. It's a powerful reminder of how one man’s vision shaped an entire era.

Let me know if you plan on going… or if you already have, tell me your favourite piece!

"Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.” - Gianni Versace