Exhibition fashion designer works will open in London

Steven McIntosh

Entertainment Reporter

After the murder in 1997, Versace's sister Donatella took over as the company's creative director

The main exhibition of the works of Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace will be held in London this summer.

The show will feature over 450 original works, including costumes worn by Princess Diana, Kate Moss, Sir Elton John, Naomi Campbell and George Michael.

The retrospective exhibition of Gianni Versace will open on July 16 at London's Arches Bridge, and organizers say it will "appreciate the kaleidoscope of the 90s for visitors".

Versace has been one of the most influential designers of his generation until he was murdered in 1997. After his death, his sister Donatella took over as the company's creative director.

Works in the show include a yellow blazer worn by Sir Elton John, a friend of Versace

Versace reviews the yellow blazer worn by Sir Elton John as part of the exhibition and is exhibited next to the photographs of the singer wearing it — Works in the show include a yellow blazer worn by Sir Elton John, a friend of Versace

The outfit worn by Kate Moss is part of the 1990s supermodel boom and will also be exhibited

Kate Moss saw Paula Caballero Versace costume in the exhibition, shot next to the model's image — The outfit worn by Kate Moss is part of the 1990s supermodel boom and will also be exhibited

Previous iterations of the retrospective exhibition have visited the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Sweden and Spain, but organizers say it has never been shown in its form in London.

The show has been updated and expanded for the UK, showing 21 ranges of design seasons, while a new feature will be added - Gianni Versace in London - will be added.

Curator Karl von der ahe said the exhibition in London was “specially meaningful”, describing the city as “one of the world’s fashion capitals.”

"Gianni Versace's bold, unapologetic vision revolutionized fashion, and the city is full of creativity and cultural influence - providing an ideal stage for celebrating his legacy," he said.

Princess Diana attended Versace's funeral, wearing a dress and bag he designed in July 1997 (a month after her death)

Princess Diana, Getty Images, attended the final tribute to Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace at Duomo di Milano — Princess Diana attended Versace's funeral, wearing a dress and bag he designed in July 1997 (a month after her death)

Versace's designs usually feature bright colors and baroque prints

Versace's retrospective selection of Versace design is considered part of the exhibition — Versace's designs usually feature bright colors and baroque prints

Organizers say the exhibition will be home to the largest collection of vintage Versace designs in the UK ever, and will also include accessories, sketches, photos and interviews alongside costumes.

Liz Koravos, managing director of Arch Bridge in London, described Versace as "the genius of the times".

"Gianni Versace has a great connection to modern culture and his legacy, a sign of a talented designer," she said.

Who is Gianni Versace?

Gianni Versace filmed a collection launched in 1990 on a runway in Milan

Paolo Castaldi Giani Versace on the runway in Milan in 1990 — Gianni Versace filmed a collection launched in 1990 on a runway in Milan

Born in 1946, Gianni Versace is known for its bold, gorgeous and brilliant designs that often feature vivid colors and baroque prints.

His interest in fashion developed at a very young age and was apprenticed in his mother's sewing business, where he began to become the designer's name in the 1970s

Versace launched his fashion brand in 1978 and began to enjoy significant success in the following decade

His brand is known for its affluence and ambition, Versace often uses luxury materials in his works, but he is also not afraid of boldness and provocation - the 1992 collection is bondage and fetish.

Sir Elton was a close friend, known to every silk shirt produced by the designer, and Versace's clothes were also worn by Princess Diana, which was part of her reinvention.

Versace (Center) took a photo with George Michael (left) and Sir Elton at his Bond Street store in 1995

Peter MacDiarmid Gianni Versace, Elton John and George Michael at the Bond ST Versace Store, 1995 — Versace (Center) took a photo with George Michael (left) and Sir Elton at his Bond Street store in 1995

Versace played a major role in the rise of supermodels in the 1990s and specifically worked with two models - Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell - with whom he made several memorable sports

Versace often associates his fashion with the music industry - George Michael's free video Saw Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington Lip - lyrics in the music video and lyrics from a fashion show at the 1991 fashion show

The Italian designer was murdered at the age of 50 in Miami on July 15, 1997. He was shot dead by serial killer Andrew Cunanan while returning from local reports. Cunanan committed suicide eight days after being murdered in Versace