Rick Owens Retrospective
The Designer's Show at La Triennale di Milano
The first retrospective of the visionary fashion and furniture designer, Rick Owens is taking place at La Triennial di Milano in Italy. A hot shot since he launched his eponymous label in 1994, Owen’s been the darling of Vogue and its editrix Anna Wintour, who sponsored his very first runway show, for over two decades.
Under the guidance of The Fashion Department curator Eleonora Fiorani, Rick Owens: Subhuman, Inhuman, Superhuman was created by the designer himself, featuring his punk inspired garments and accessories, furniture, graphics, and publications that he selected from his 20-year career.
The Man (who is always) in Black moved to Paris in 2003 and his shows have been produced in the City of Lights ever since. His first flagship boutique opened there in 2006, featuring his signature Glunge fashions—Glamour meets grunge. He started his chic and modern furniture line in 2005. Inspired by the Irish furniture designer Eileen Gray and Roman sculptor Constantin Brancusi, Owen’s earthy collection is made up from raw plywood, marble, and moose antlers.
Besides ephemera from his career, also important to the show is a sculptural installation that, at first glance, looks like a giant earthworm floating above and throughout the rooms. Created by Owens, it’s composed of concrete, lilies, Adriatic sand, and his own hair! Says the designer, “I wanted to take what a dismissive world might mock and create something fine, empathetic, kind and inclusive. If I could ever so slightly blur the rigid parameters of what is considered beautiful or acceptable in our generation, I will have fulfilled any potential I had to make any positive contribution to our world.”
Rick Owens: Subhuman, Inhuman, Superhuman is up through March 25th.
