Exclusive Designs By World Renowned Couturier coming to NZ

5 December, 2023 Isaac Taylor

The only thing that overshadows world-renowned couture designer, Guo Pei is her own work. Named one of Times 100 most influential people, she is trusted with dressing A-Listers and royalty alike for the world stage when she isn’t blazing new paths in fashion. She is the talent behind Rihanna’s trailing yellow gown from the 2015 Met Gala. If you don’t remember it, that’s fine, you’re going to be able to see it up close for yourself.

Guo Pei’s work is coming here to our fair shores giving us the chance to see 60 of her creations up close and personal. Exclusively hosted at the Auckland Art Gallery, the collection captures her innovations from 2005 to 2020.

Guo Pei, Collection: Garden of the Soul, 2017. © Guo Pei. Photograph by LIAN Xu, courtesy of LIAN Xu.

“This exhibition celebrates one of the world’s most renowned couturiers,” says Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Director of Auckland Art Gallery Kirsten Lacy. “Guo Pei’s extravagant
ensembles are works of art, incorporating extraordinary fabrics and exquisite embroidery, and capturing influences from across the world. Each piece has been created with intricate skill and precision, representing thousands of hours of dedication and remarkable artistry.”

Of her own work Guo Pei says “As visitors walk through the exhibition, I hope they will be able to empathise with how I felt creating these works, as well as my passion towards different cultures all around the world.”

Guo Pei, Collection: Elysium, Spring/Summer 2020. © Guo Pei. Courtesy of Guo Pei.

Along with Rihanna’s dress, we’ll also have a sneak peek into outfits that have never been shown at any other gallery or museum, making this an entirely exclusive experience for fashionistas here in NZ. Throughout, you can see her expertly working through her favourite themes, nature, mythology, and European and Asian clothing traditions into pieces that transcend contemporary ideas of elegance.

The exhibition, in association with Auckland Arts Festival 2024, is supported by Auckland Art Gallery Foundation, Rolls-Royce, Cordis Hotels, and others. By the time you’re holding the magazine, it will have just gotten underway, with the show running until May 2024. Don’t sleep on this one!