Memphis Milano
Memphis Group (Milano) designers in the “Tawaraya” boxing ring, 1981. Photo courtesy Studio Azzuro/Memphis srl

Fashion designers teaming up with artists for design collaborations is definitely not a new or groundbreaking idea, but it’s always provocative (it gets the people going). From designer Elsa Schiaparelli working with surrealist painter Salvador Dalí, to Azzedine Alaïa designing a series of luxury apartments furnished with Jean Prouvé furniture — and most recently, Anthony Vaccarello and Memphis Milano. As part of the Saint Laurent Rive Droite project, Saint Laurent Paris creative director Anthony Vaccarello has teamed up with iconic Italian design and architecture group, Memphis Milano to present a capsule collection and accompanying exhibition. Saint Laurent Rive Droite is the brand’s new curated and creative retail space, with locations in Paris as well as Los Angeles, where Vaccarello partners with artists and designers to curate an experiential exhibition with accompanying exclusive items (garments, too!) in collaboration with Saint Laurent.

Memphis Milano was created in December of 1980 by a group of young designers and architects in Milan, Italy. The design collective takes its name from the Bob Dylan record “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again.” Memphis Milano is known for its graphic, color-blocked, playful furniture and iconic 80s modernist design aesthetic. From the boxing ring-inspired bed designed by Masanori Umeda, to the ‘Carlton’ room divider by Ettore Sottsass and the infamous Rivera chairs designed by Michele De Lucchi — Memphis Milano and its design movement (from 1981 to 1987) has been an immense source of inspiration for designers and creators all over the world.

Memphis Milano
Courtesy of SAINT LAURENT RIVE DROITE/Memphis Milano

Memphis Milano is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and, to celebrate that, Anthony Vaccarello has curated an exclusive capsule for Saint Laurent, including two multi-colored checkerboard hoodies, two dresses, one shirt, and two pairs of sneakers. These unique pieces will coincide with archival Memphis Milano designs on display. The exhibition is on view now through June 23 in Saint Laurent Rive Droite stores in Paris and Los Angeles. Along with Vaccarello’s collection, a large selection of homeware pieces, ceramic objects, textile accessories, and a selection of rare books representing the history and works of Memphis will be on display.

Let’s check out some of the iconic designs as part of the exhibition:

Exhibited designs

Exclusive items for sale:

Memphis Milano
“NILO” VASE IN PORCELAIN. Exclusive Rive Droite. SHOP NOW
Memphis Milano
“VICTORIA” VASE IN CERAMIC. Exclusive Rive Droite. SHOP NOW
Memphis Milano
MEMPHIS COLORBLOCK SAINT LAURENT LOGO HOODIE. Exclusive Rive Droite. SHOP NOW
Saint Laurent/Memphis Milano
MEMPHIS COLORBLOCK SAINT LAURENT LOGO HOODIE. Exclusive Rive Droite. SHOP NOW
Saint Laurent
MEMPHIS MÉMOIRE DU STYLE. Exclusive Rive Droite. SHOP NOW

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