Dear Shaded Viewers,
Rick Owens dominates today’s headlines, with the announcement of his monumental retrospective exhibition, Temple of Love, at the Palais Galliera, and swirling rumors about the brand’s acquisition by LVMH. While speculation about corporate shifts sparks intrigue, this article focuses on celebrating Owens’ artistic legacy and the upcoming exhibition, which promises to immerse visitors in his visionary world through over 100 sculptural silhouettes, unseen archives, and boundary-pushing designs. This summer, the Palais Galliera will unveil Temple of Love, a groundbreaking retrospective dedicated to Rick Owens, one of the most provocative voices in contemporary fashion. Running from June 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026, this exhibition promises to be an immersive dive into Owens’ avant-garde universe—a world where beauty collides with rebellion and tradition is shattered by innovation.
Rick Owens’ career spans decades and continents, beginning in Los Angeles in the early 1990s before his relocation to Paris in 2003. Born in California in 1961, Owens started as a pattern maker before launching his eponymous label in 1994. His early designs drew heavily on the raw energy of underground culture and the glamour of 1930s fashion. With limited resources, Owens repurposed unconventional materials—military bags, washed leather, and army blankets—into garments that challenged traditional notions of luxury. His muted color palette, dominated by black and his signature gray shade called “dust,” became hallmarks of his aesthetic.
Owens’ move to Paris marked a turning point. His runway shows transformed into theatrical spectacles that not only showcased his sculptural silhouettes but also delivered biting social commentary. Models became performers; stepping dancers replaced traditional catwalkers, and gender norms were subverted with unapologetic nudity and bold celebrations of female strength. His work became a form of protest—against intolerance, patriarchy, and conformity—while embracing a radical vision for fashion as art.
Temple of Love is not merely an exhibition; it is a full-scale homage to Owens’ artistic ethos. Featuring over 100 silhouettes from his archives, alongside personal artifacts, video installations, and curated artworks by Gustave Moreau and Joseph Beuys, the retrospective offers visitors an intimate look at the inspirations behind Owens’ creations. His fascination with sacred themes and references—from Joris-Karl Huysmans’ literature to modernist art—permeates every corner of the exhibit.
The experience extends beyond the museum’s walls. Owens has reimagined the facade of Palais Galliera with fabric-wrapped statues embroidered in sequins, while brutalist cement sculptures reminiscent of his furniture designs populate the garden. Even the floral arrangements reflect his Los Angeles roots, blending natural beauty with architectural precision.
At its core, Temple of Love is a reflection on love, beauty, and difference—a manifesto for individuality in a world often dominated by uniformity. Through monumental staging and bold design choices, Owens challenges visitors to rethink their perceptions of fashion as mere clothing. His creations are acts of resistance: sculptural forms that defy norms and provoke thought.
The exhibition also pays tribute to Michèle Lamy, Owens’ wife and muse, and I might add 2 x President of ASVOFF. Her influence is woven throughout the narrative—from their shared creative vision to the reconstruction of their California bedroom within the museum space.
Rick Owens has always been more than a designer; he is a disruptor who uses fashion as a weapon against complacency. Temple of Love is not just an exploration of his career but an invitation to engage with his radical perspective on art and humanity. This retrospective transforms Palais Galliera into a sanctuary for creative rebellion—a temple where difference is celebrated and boundaries are obliterated.
For those willing to step into Owens’ world, this exhibition promises an unforgettable journey through one of fashion’s most daring minds and frankly, I cannot wait.
Curatorial Team for “Temple of Love” Exhibition at Palais Galliera
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General Curatorship: Miren Arzalluz, Honorary Director of the Palais Galliera
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Scientific Curatorship: Alexandre Samson, Head of Fashion Collections from 1947 to Contemporary Creations
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Artistic Direction: Rick Owens
Later,
Diane
