Gucci, Valentino, Versace, and Balenciaga headline Rome exhibition

What makes fashion “memorable”, such that it is an engine of change in society? And how does fashion itself reflect that society, responding to social, political, economic and cultural evolution?

These are some of the themes at the heart of “Memorabile. Ipermoda” at Rome’s MAXXI Museum, organised in collaboration with the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. 

The show, which opened Wednesday (27 November), takes visitors on a journey through the evolution of design from 2015 to the present, examining key shifts in style, innovation, and creative direction across the fashion industry.

While the big initial draw is undoubtedly the iconic designs on show by the likes of Gucci, Valentino, Versace, and Balenciaga – alongside jewellery and handbags by Bvlgari – it’s not just about the visual allure: the exhibition raises critical questions about sustainability, overproduction, technology, and the ethical responsibilities of fashion.

“These are challenging times and the exhibition generates questions and issues that have never been resolved,” curator Maria Luisa Frisa said during a walk-through prior to the opening, ARTnews writes.

With these questions in mind, “Memorabile. Ipermoda” looks at the evolving and increasing role of technology in design, including in the production of fabric; the figure of the creative director within luxury brands, with a powerful hand in both narrative and aesthetic direction; and the rise of independent designers.

Alongside the striking designs and imagery, Frisa has curated a playlist that acts as a soundtrack to the exhibition – exclusively played in shuffle mode, to create unpredictable moments of harmony and dissonance.

“Memorabile. Ipermoda” runs at the MAXXI Museum Rome until 23 March 2025.