Exposure: the allure of fashion in a new exhibition in Trieste

A new exhibition in Trieste explores the language of fashion and the fascination of the red carpet from a fresh perspective. From March 26, 2026 to January 3, 2027, ITS Arcademy – Museum of Art in Fashion hosts “Exposure – The power of being seen, from Harry Styles to Lady Gaga”, an exhibition that reveals how the public image of global pop icons is created and the people working behind the scenes who make it possible.

Styling as a cultural language

At the heart of the exhibition lies the practice of styling, a profession that often remains invisible but plays a fundamental role in shaping the public image of celebrities. A stylist does much more than simply choose an outfit: their work translates identity, emotions and messages into a visual language capable of speaking to audiences worldwide.

Exposure explores this creative and collaborative dimension, showing how the image of a celebrity emerges from the interaction between designer, stylist and artist. The result is a complex dialogue between fashion, music, cinema and visual culture, where every detail – from the silhouette of a garment to the scenography of an event – contributes to building a narrative.

This process involves both the body of the person being seen and the gaze of those who observe it, revealing a creative practice far more complex than it might initially appear. In this sense, fashion becomes much more than a simple aesthetic phenomenon: it becomes a contemporary language capable of reflecting and interpreting our time.

Tom Eerebout and the icons of pop culture

The exhibition Exposure in Trieste is curated by Tom Eerebout, a Belgian stylist internationally renowned for his collaborations with some of the most influential figures in contemporary pop culture. Throughout his career he has worked with artists such as Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora and Austin Butler, helping define some of the most iconic visual moments of recent years.

The exhibition features a selection of garments and creative projects linked to these collaborations, alongside pieces by emerging designers who began their careers through ITS Contest, the international fashion competition that has been based in Trieste for more than twenty years.

The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue curated by Eerebout together with philosopher Emanuele Coccia, featuring contributions and conversations with leading voices in fashion studies, including historian Olivier Saillard.

Visiting the Exposure exhibition in Trieste

The exhibition takes place at ITS Arcademy – Museum of Art in Fashion, located in Via Cassa di Risparmio 10, in the heart of the city and just a short walk from the DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste. The museum houses a collection of more than 15,000 pieces, including garments, accessories and photographic projects, a unique archive that documents over two decades of international fashion design.

The Exposure experience also extends beyond the museum walls. Part of the project unfolds in the urban space through a photographic installation along Via Cassa di Risparmio, where ten large-scale images transform the street into an open-air gallery, inviting passersby to reflect on the relationship between body, clothing and the public gaze.

Exposure – The power of being seen will be open to the public from March 26, 2026 to January 3, 2027, from Thursday to Monday.
For updated information on tickets and opening hours, feel free to ask at the reception of the DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste or visit the exhibition’s official website.

Photo credits: Massimo Gardone