When great names come together…hypnotic Vasarely x Paco Rabanne: A first-of-its kind, multi-layered cultural collaboration

 

Op-Art artist Victor Vasarely meets Paco Rabanne at The Selfridges Corner Shop, London, UK (13 January – 27 March) .

Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely pioneered the Op Art movement – short for “optical art” – in the 1960s with his undulating, hypnotic forms that appeared to shimmer, bend and swell before the viewer’s eyes. While artists have long used varying techniques to create illusory effects that mimic depth, movement and light (the prominent artistic technique trompe l’oeil literally means “trick the eye”), it wasn’t until the emergence of Op Art that the mechanics of the gaze were given priority over the image itself

In the ever-changing Corner Shop at Selfridges London, the high-end department store unveiled a first-of-its kind cultural collaboration between Vasarely Foundation, Paco Rabanne and Selfridges. Spanning the next three months, Universe will explore the work of ground-breaking artist Victor Vasarely, his influence on contemporaries such as Paco Rabanne as well as today’s tastemakers, and how he continues to shape the future, in this extraordinary exhibition-meets-retail space at The Selfridges Corner Shop.

As part of this pioneering initiative in The Corner Shop at Selfridges London – and a first at Selfridges – you can shop original Vasarely art works and sculptures within Selfridges’ very own curated, climate-controlled gallery space (complete with a hypnotic Vasarely-printed floor). With works for sale including the monochromatic Tilla (1958) and the vibrant Orion MC (1963), this is a unique opportunity to invest in a significant piece of art from the ‘grandfather’ of Op-Art, while also browsing some of his most famed works. What’s more, any proceeds that the Vasarely Foundation make from this unique project will be used to restore and upkeep works at the foundation in Aix-en-Provence, France.

Later this month, NFT platform Substance will be debuting exclusive Vasarely artwork NFTs, digital Paco Rabanne pieces and an incredible metaverse experience to enjoy from the comfort of your home – all coming soon in store, on selfridges.com and @theofficialselfridges.

Op-Art: Paco Rabanne is celebrating the influence of Victor Vasarely

Celebrating the influence of Victor Vasarely on his contemporary, Paco Rabanne, and future designers at the fashion house, iconic pieces from both the archive – including Paco’s signature metallic disc dresses from his 1969 collection – and the new season are also on display. Paco Rabanne’s current Creative Director, Julien Dossena, was inspired by Vasarely’s expressive art style for his Spring/Summer 22 collection, utilising the artist’s celebrated optical illusion prints across co-ordinated outfit combinations. Available to buy in store and online, take your pick from bold psychedelic-printed tops and skirts to uplifting geometric-print wide-leg trousers.

In addition, you can shop collectible works of art in the form of exclusive Vasarely-inspired products, available in store and online. From standout skateboards with mesmeric geometric-print decks to cushions cloaked in myriad colourful squares and a notebook with a perspective-warping print that appears to move hypnotically – these one-of-a-kind pieces will instantly brighten up your everyday, add an artistic touch to any space and guarantee to be instant conversation-starters.