The Vienna Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) has opened the exhibition Helmut Lang – Séance De Travail 1986–2005, exploring the legacy of artist and designer Helmut Lang. Although Lang has been living in the United States for many years and has not returned to his hometown of Vienna for decades, he acknowledges that the city’s cultural environment shaped his inclination to challenge conventions and go against the grain.

Based on the largest existing archive of Helmut Lang’s work, the exhibition comprises around 10,000 items, including garments, lookbooks, Polaroid photographs, and working notes. The main aim of the show is not only to present fashion, but also to reveal the creative process behind the scenes and Lang’s distinctive approach – one that continues to inspire designers around the world.

«I hope this will encourage others to find the courage to discover their own voice», Lang said.

The exhibition is divided into five thematic sections, tracing every stage of his career in fashion. It opens with Lang’s Autumn 1998 collection, which was originally presented online via CD-ROM. Visitors can also explore a reconstructed New York boutique, interactive screens, and installations dedicated to Lang’s advertising campaigns.

The exhibition runs until 3 May 2026 and promises to be a truly unique experience.

Photo: Instagram @mak_vienna