'Francesco Vezzoli presents: KARL GOES TO MEMPHIS. Tribute to an historic encounter in Monte Carlo' is Francesco Vezzoli’s third solo exhibition at Almine Rech Monaco, on view from March 20 to May 24, 2025. The show draws from one of the most original episodes in the history of 20th-century design—an encounter 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. He settled in the Roccabella building, designed by Giò Ponti. Unsatisfi ed with an ordinary home, Lagerfeld decided to furnish the apartment exclusively with Memphis pieces. Known for its bold, avant-garde, and provocative style, a truly extraordinary space was envisioned, where furniture, ceramics, lighting, and decorations coalesced into one surreal and provocative aesthetic. The exhibition seeks to recreate, as faithfully as possible, the ambiance of Lagerfeld’s iconic apartment within Almine Rech Monaco. With the collaboration of Memphis, all of the pieces originally featured in Lagerfeld’s residence are exhibited.
Featured works include masterpieces by Memphis such as the Carlton bookshelf by Ettore Sottsass, the Tawaraya Ring, a “domestic boxing ring” that is a space and a furniture at the same time by Masanori Umeda, the Super table lamp by Martine Bedin, the Pierre table by George J. Sowden, the First chair and Oceanic table lamp by Michele De Lucchi, the Brazil table by Peter Shire, the Hilton trolley by Javier Mariscal, the Astor table lamp by Thomas Bley, the Dublin sofa by Marco Zanini, the “indoor skyscraper” Plaza by Michael Graves, the Labrador sauce boat by Andrea Branzi, and so on.
After many years, iconic Memphis designs also make a comeback, including Matteo Thun’s Sacher hall closet, Javier Mariscal’s Colon side table, as well as George J. Sowden’s Acapulco clock and Oberoj armchair—each allowing visitors to immerse themselves in one of the most eccentric and creative visions of 1980s design.
