AUCKLAND.- A highly anticipated international exhibition profiling the work of couture designer Guo Pei openes today at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.

Guo Pei: Fashion, Art, Fantasy 郭培：时装之幻梦 opens Saturday 9 December with a weekend of special events.

Be transported from the fashion runway into the Gallery to encounter more than 60 of Guo Pei’s creations up close. The exhibition, which is exclusive to Auckland Art Gallery, presents the designer’s most innovative and captivating pieces created between 2005 to 2020.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Director of Auckland Art Gallery Kirsten Lacy is thrilled to bring the extraordinary work of Guo Pei to New Zealand audiences for the first time.

‘This exhibition celebrates one of the world’s most renowned couturiers. 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.’

Drawing her themes from nature, mythology, and European and Asian clothing traditions, Guo Pei will lead viewers on a wondrous journey through dream worlds, magical gardens, and cosmic landscapes.

Guo Pei says, ‘I am delighted that visitors of Auckland Art Gallery will experience my works spanning many years. 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.’

For over 20 years, Guo Pei has adorned royalty, film stars and celebrities.
The Yellow Queen gown worn by Rihanna to the 2015 Met Gala is showcased in the exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery. Also on display are outfits never seen before in any other gallery or museum.

The publication Guo Pei: Couture Fantasy will be available at the Gallery shop online and in-store. The book features a Q&A with the designer and journeys into her imaginative world, showcasing the garments’ consummate artistry, lavish embroidery, and unconventional dressmaking techniques.

The Gallery shop has a special range for the exhibition which includes Guo Pei designed scarves, ceramics, Barbie dolls, gifts and more.

Alongside the exhibition, Auckland Art Gallery has programmed a series of special events, including celebrations on the exhibition’s opening weekend, Lunar New Year Festival, an exhibition late night, and Fashion Fantasy Ball, a fabulous evening of art, dance, music and culinary delights. See event details below for more information.