All about Versace, at Musee Maillol, Paris

I recently popped into Paris for 24 hours and booked to see just 1 exhibition - the Gianni Versace Retrospective at the Musee Maillol . I found myself completely absorbed in the world of the designer who made fashion louder, bolder and infinitely more glamorous.

The exhibition is the largest retrospective of Gianni Versace ever presented in France, bringing together around 450 pieces. There are dazzling runway looks, original sketches, campaign photography, accessories, videos and rarely seen archival material that paint a picture of the man behind the Medusa.

What struck me most wasn't just the sparkle (although there's plenty of that). It was seeing where Versace's ideas came from. As you move through the galleries, you begin to notice the threads connecting ancient Greek mythology, Roman sculpture, Italian Renaissance art and the ornate Baroque style that became one of his signatures. Suddenly, those famous gold prints and dramatic silhouettes feel like part of a much bigger story.

And then there are the clothes.

Supermodel-era Versace is very much on display, with unforgettable looks worn by Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Christy Turlington, alongside pieces created for music legends like Elton John and Madonna. Walking through the exhibition feels like flipping through the greatest hits of late '80s and '90s fashion—but in three dimensions.

Paris also plays a starring role in the story. Vesace debuted his first Haute Couture collection here in 1989, opened his flagship boutique on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and presented his final couture collection in Paris just days before his death in 1997. That connection gives the exhibition an added layer of meaning, making it feel especially at home in the French capital.

The exhibition design deserves a mention too. Rather than feeling like a traditional museum show, it's theatrical, immersive and unapologetically glamorous—exactly as you'd hope from a celebration of Gianni Versace. Rich colours, dramatic lighting and carefully curated displays make every room feel like its own runway moment.

Whether you're a die-hard fashion fan or simply looking for a memorable cultural outing in Paris, this is one exhibition that's worth adding to your list. You leave with a renewed appreciation for Versace's extraordinary eye—not just for fashion, but for art, history and the power of making people stop and stare.

Exhibition opened 5 June 2026. Musee Maillol 59–61, rue de Grenelle, Paris

Like my post? Why not buy me a coffee?