The exhibition in Munich takes us back to the 1980s, in an iconic episode of history
Francesco Vezzoli presents: KARL GOES TO MEMPHIS. Tribute to a historic encounter in Monte Carlo” is the new solo exhibition by Francesco Vezzoli at the Almine Rech Monaco gallery, scheduled from March 20 to May 24, 2025.
The exhibition draws inspiration from one of the most original episodes in 20th-century design history: the meeting between two giants of contemporary creativity: the visionary Karl Lagerfeld and Memphis, founded by Ettore Sottsass. In the early 1980s, Lagerfeld moved to Monte Carlo. Dissatisfied with an ordinary home, Lagerfeld decided to furnish the apartment exclusively with Memphis pieces. The exhibition aims to recreate, as faithfully as possible, the atmosphere of Lagerfeld’s iconic apartment inside Almine Rech Monaco. In collaboration with Memphis, all the pieces originally present in Lagerfeld’s residence are displayed within the exhibition.
An extraordinary space
The works on display include masterpieces from Memphis, such as Ettore Sottsass’s Carlton bookshelf, Masanori Umeda’s Tawaraya Ring, Martine Bedin’s Super lamp, George J. Sowden’s Pierre table, Michele De Lucchi’s First chair and Oceanic table lamp, Peter Shire’s Brazil table, Javier Mariscal’s Hilton trolley, Thomas Bley’s Astor table lamp, Marco Zanini’s Dublin sofa, Michael Graves’s Plaza “skyscraper for interiors,” Andrea Branzi’s Labrador gravy boat, and more. After many years, iconic Memphis pieces also return, including Matteo Thun’s Sacher wardrobe, Javier Mariscal’s Colon coffee table, George J. Sowden’s Acapulco clock, and Oberoj armchair, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in one of the most eccentric and creative visions of 1980s design.
Francesco Vezzoli has created eight new works for this exhibition: embroidered portraits of Lagerfeld, displayed in opulent baroque frames. These “emotive” works, inspired by Lagerfeld’s photographs from that early period, offer a rare perspective on his most authentic and spontaneous self. To further enrich the exhibition, a catalog designed by the renowned graphic duo Mathias Augustyniak and Michael Amzalag of M/M (Paris) completes the show.
“For Memphis, this project marks the closing of a circle, which began in Monte Carlo and now returns there. […] With his unique and disruptive style, Vezzoli captures the eternal spirit of Memphis, reinterpreting a fundamental chapter of its history, remaining true to the boldness and creativity that characterize the works of Sottsass and the other members of the group.” – Charley Vezza, CEO of Memphis.
