Gianni Versace at Musée Maillol: a fascinating immersion into the maestro's universe, with AC Private

Until 31 October 2026, the Musée Maillol hosts a masterful exhibition: "Gianni Versace. Retrospective", the first major French retrospective dedicated to the Italian maestro since 1986. Over 450 pieces, 120 silhouettes sculpted on mannequins, photographs by Avedon, Newton and Penn, gowns worn by Madonna, Elizabeth Hurley, Naomi Campbell and Princess Diana: a celebration of glamour, boldness and creative freedom. AC Private opens the doors to this experience in ultra-private mode.

A landmark exhibition in the heart of Paris

Set at 59-61, rue de Grenelle in the 7th arrondissement, the exhibition spans two levels of the Musée Maillol with a scenography by Nathalie Crinière, assisted by Tomoko Nishiki. The journey, designed thematically rather than chronologically, captures the designer's universe in all its richness: from his Calabrian roots to the Parisian consecration of Atelier Versace, launched in 1990.

The exhibition has already travelled to London, Berlin, Malaga, Malmö and Poznań, but it is in its Parisian version, reimagined by curators Saskia Lubnow and Karl von der Ahé, that it reaches its full brilliance — a tribute to the deep bond between Versace and Paris, the city that saw his haute couture collections come to life.

Magna Graecia: Versace's ancient roots

Born in Reggio di Calabria, the land of Magna Graecia, Gianni Versace drew lifelong inspiration from ancient heritage. The Medusa, emblem of the House, is a direct borrowing from Greco-Roman mythology. The exhibition reveals how this Mediterranean imagination — draping, ornaments, mosaics — runs through every collection, from the earliest creations to the most accomplished haute couture pieces.

Barocco and Pop Art: Versace's dual signature

Vibrant colours — gold, black, red, turquoise, purple — sit alongside baroque, floral and animal prints that have become the House's ultimate signature. The exhibition highlights the boldness of a designer who never feared excess: printed silks with Barocco motifs, adorned leathers, embroidered velvets, crystals and metallic details testify to exceptional craftsmanship.

Alongside the baroque, Versace also embraced Pop Art. The integration of figures like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean into his textile prints reflects a unique vision: merging haute couture and popular culture, abolishing the boundaries between museum and street.

Provocation and iconic pieces

Among the exhibition's highlights, the "Provocation" section revisits the Miss S&M collection of 1992 — one of the most transgressive in fashion history. The famous black dress held together by safety pins, worn by Elizabeth Hurley in 1994, is displayed alongside creations designed for Madonna, Prince, Elton John and Princess Diana.

Each silhouette, each accessory tells a story: that of a designer who transformed supermodels into cultural icons and turned fashion into a total spectacle, at the crossroads of cinema, music and contemporary art.

The Supermodels: Naomi, Cindy, Linda and the Versace era

The exhibition dedicates an entire space to the supermodel era. Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista: Versace was among the first to understand that models could become stars in their own right. The displayed silhouettes are accompanied by legendary photographs by Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton and Irving Penn, recreating the electric atmosphere of 1980s and 1990s backstages.

Your private visit with AC Private

For AC Private clients, the Versace exhibition at Musée Maillol is not just a visit — it is a bespoke immersive experience. Our team of personal shoppers and fashion advisors arranges:

• Priority access and VIP booking (Thursday late-night opening until 10 PM)
• Private guided tour with a fashion history expert
• Post-visit haute couture shopping: personalised itinerary through the Triangle d'Or and Faubourg Saint-Honoré boutiques
• Private car transfer and dinner at a Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant
• Fashion Week personal shopping: access to showrooms, runway shows and private sales during Paris Fashion Week

Practical information

• Venue: Musée Maillol, 59-61 rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris
• Dates: 5 June — 31 October 2026
• Hours: daily, 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM; late-night Thursday until 10 PM
• Duration: 70 to 90 minutes
• Contact AC Private: +33 (0)3 56 89 46 53 — [email protected] — Contact form

Frequently asked questions

How can I visit the Versace exhibition at Musée Maillol privately?

AC Private arranges VIP visits to the "Gianni Versace. Retrospective" exhibition at the Musée Maillol, with priority access, a private guide specialising in fashion history, and private car transfer. Contact our concierge at +33 (0)3 56 89 46 53 or via [email protected].

Can I combine the Versace visit with a haute couture shopping experience in Paris?

Absolutely. Our personal shopping service extends the Versace experience with a bespoke itinerary through the Triangle d'Or, Faubourg Saint-Honoré or Marais boutiques, tailored to your tastes and budget. A dedicated personal shopper accompanies you throughout the day.

Does AC Private offer services during Paris Fashion Week?

Yes. AC Private provides exclusive access to runway shows, showrooms, private sales and events during Paris Fashion Week. We also arrange transfers, luxury accommodation and gourmet dinners for a total immersion in the world of fashion.

What are the most iconic pieces in the Versace exhibition?

Among the masterpieces on display: the safety-pin dress worn by Elizabeth Hurley, creations for Madonna and Princess Diana, the gold-and-black Barocco prints, and silhouettes worn by Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista. Over 450 pieces and 120 original silhouettes are presented.