Francesco Vezzoli: A Visionary Collision of Art and Iconic Legacy
Francesco Vezzoli
Almine Rech Monaco
20 Avenue de la Costa, 98000 Monaco
(March 20 – May 24, 2025)
As the founder of What We Adore, I have often written about moments where creativity transcends boundaries, but rarely do I come across an artist whose work boldly redefines the intersection of history, fashion, and design. Francesco Vezzoli, one of Italy’s most celebrated contemporary visionaries, invites us into a world where allegory meets opulence, and his upcoming exhibition at Almine Rech Monaco is set to captivate and challenge in equal measure.
Francesco Vezzoli
FRANCESCO BY FRANCESCO: THE
MIRROR HAS TWO FACES, 2003
B/W laserprint on canvas with metallic embroidery 2 pieces
– 62 x 51 cm each
Opening on March 20, 2025, Vezzoli’s new body of work draws inspiration from a fascinating chapter in 20th-century design: the audacious partnership between Karl Lagerfeld and the avant-garde Memphis Group. Lagerfeld’s radical decision to furnish his Monte Carlo apartment exclusively with Memphis designs – a riot of vibrant colors, clashing forms, and bold textures – was nothing short of revolutionary, contrasting sharply with his otherwise minimalist aesthetic at Chanel.
Vezzoli’s response? Six embroidered portraits of Lagerfeld, framed in opulent baroque designs, offering a rare and deeply emotional lens into the multifaceted genius of the late designer. These portraits, based on photographs from Lagerfeld’s Monte Carlo years, reveal an intimate, spontaneous side of the icon – one that embraced nightlife, cultural exchange, and artistic playfulness.
Ettore Sottsass,“Suvretta” Bookcase.
George James Sowden, “Unknown” Table.
Michele De Lucchi, “Riviera”Chairs.
Ettore Sottsass, “Treetops” Floor Lamp.
Photo: © Jacques Schumacher
This exhibition promises more than a homage; it recreates Lagerfeld’s daring vision. Collaborating with Memphis Milano, Vezzoli transforms the gallery into a living tableau of 1980s design brilliance. Visitors will encounter a space brimming with surreal geometric decor – a place where design and art collide in unrepeatable harmony.
Vezzoli’s genius lies not only in his ability to capture history but in his capacity to reinterpret it for contemporary audiences. His works invite us to celebrate audacity, honor creative freedom, and revel in the transformative power of art.
George James Sowden, “Oberoi” Chair.
Masanori Umeda, “Tawaraya” Party Ring.
Martine Bedin, “Super” Lamp.
Photo: © Jacques Schumacher
For the world of fashion, design, and art, Francesco Vezzoli’s Monaco exhibition is poised to be the most provocative event of 2025 – a bold celebration of what happens when visionaries dare to dream beyond the boundaries of their era.
Stay tuned, as What We Adore will bring you exclusive insights from this extraordinary cultural moment.
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