Rick Owens: The Gothic Architecture of Fashion
Parijs, donderdag, 26 juni 2025.
The Palais Galliera will unveil this summer a unique retrospective of Rick Owens, presenting the avant-garde fashion designer’s most provocative and technically advanced collections. The ‘Temple of Love’ exhibition showcases over 100 designs exploring the boundaries of fashion, from his early years in Los Angeles to his established status in Paris. Owens, known for his dark aesthetic and experimental silhouettes, brings an exhibition that is more than just fashion - it is a statement about inclusivity, self-expression, and breaking strict aesthetic norms. With brutal architectural installations and layered design, this retrospective promises a deep insight into the artistic journey of one of the most influential designers of this generation.
The Exhibition: A Visual Journey
The ‘Temple of Love’ exhibition at the Palais Galliera encompasses over 100 iconic designs revealing Rick Owens’ artistic evolution [1][3]. The exhibition spans his entire career, from his early years in Los Angeles to his established status in Paris [2]. Owens worked closely with curator Alexandre Samson to create a unique presentation that exposes his technical craftsmanship and cultural depth [4].
Architectural Interventions
The exhibition goes beyond traditional fashion presentation, featuring monumental sculptures covered in sequin fabric on the facade of the Palais Galliera and 30 brutalist concrete sculptures in the garden [5]. Owens has even curated the garden planting with exclusively blue flowers, including his beloved Morning Glories from California [6].
Philosophical Underpinning
Owens sees the exhibition as more than a retrospective: it is a statement about inclusivity and offering alternative aesthetic perspectives [7]. ‘My role is providing other options,’ he states, referring to his endeavour to transcend conventional beauty standards [8].