Coinciding with the occasion of Milan Fashion Week, Versace is presenting an exhibition of the late photographer Richard Avedon titled “Relationships” in partnership with Palazzo Reale, Comune di Milano, and Skira Editore. Opening today, where it will remain on view through January 29, 2023, the show features 100 iconic images from Avedon’s oeuvre that illustrate his success as a portrait and fashion photographer, while also shining a special focus on his longstanding creative relationship with Gianni and Donatella Versace and the fashion house.
“Trust. For me that is the foundation of the best relationships. With Avedon there was absolute trust. Trust in his light. Trust in his storytelling. Trust in our shared vision. Trust in our relationship. Avedon and Versace are inseparable,” said Donatella Versace.
Installation view, “Richard Avedon: Relationships” at Palazzo Reale, courtesy of Versace.
Coordinated with the help of the Center for Creative Photography and the Richard Avedon Foundation, on view are photographs large and small, dated from 1979 to 1998, during Avedon’s collaboration with Versace and beyond. As recognizable faces grace his campaign imagery for the house (including those like Kate Moss, Shalom Harlow, Christy Turlington,and Naomi Campbell), the narrative makes clear that Avedon played a seminal role in defining Versace’s visual language, all while leaving his mark on future generations of fashion photographers.
Installation view, “Richard Avedon: Relationships” at Palazzo Reale, courtesy of Versace.
“Gianni and I loved working with Avedon. We loved coming up with the story of the campaign together and watching as he and the incredible models brought that story to life. With or without the clothes,” Donatella stated. “Iconic is an over-used word but these images are truly iconic.”
In addition to original campaign prints and other fashion-centric content, “Relationships” features portraits of stars like Elton John, Prince, and Courtney Love, commissioned by Versace, and even a 1957 portrait of Marilyn Monroe. The show also encompasses a series of 1994 video interviews with Gianni Versace, a new interview with Donatella Versace filmed for the occasion of the show, and a dedicated catalog including words by Donatella.
Installation view, “Richard Avedon: Relationships” at Palazzo Reale, courtesy of Versace.
Installation view, “Richard Avedon: Relationships” at Palazzo Reale, courtesy of Versace.
