Icons In the Spotlight: Luis Barragán, Giorgio Armani, and Other Legends Get Their Dues  

Ever wonder how filmmaker Wes Anderson pulls off his fabulously meticulous set designs? Curious to see architect Luis Barragán’s boldly painted residences in person? Looking for insight into David Bowie’s creative process? These new retrospectives, archives, and exhibitions offer ample opportunities to do a deep dive into what it means to be an artist. 

London 

Located inside the new V&A East Storehouse, the David Bowie Centre is now the permanent home of the iconoclastic singer’s archive, comprising more than 90,000 item—from his own desk to lyrics, diaries, costumes, and musical instruments. “Balancing storage with stagecraft, the centre is an intimate space to explore Bowei’s life, work and legacy, offering a deeply personal insight into Bowie’s world,” says lead curator Madeleine Haddon. Visitors can even make appointments to view items that are in storage through the museum’s innovative “Order an Object” service. 

Opening November 21 and running through July 26, 2026, at the Design Museum, Wes Anderson: The Archives is the first major museum exhibition focused on the work of visionary director Wes Anderson. Featuring handwritten notebooks, storyboards, costumes, and props—such as suitcases from The Darjeeling Limited—the show builds on the exhibit’s debut at La Cinemathèque Francaise with more than 100 additional objects on view. The Design Museum is just a mile from Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. 

Mexico City 

One of legendary Mexican architect Luis Barragán’s most striking residential designs—La Cuadra San Cristóbal, a study in bright colour blocking, located on the outskirts of Mexico City—is set to open to the public later this year as part of a 10-year plan to transform it into a cultural centre. In town, Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City has embarked on a phased renovation by Mexican designer Bibiana Huber that will include a vibrant redesign of all its guest rooms and suites. 

Milan

Iconic designer Giorgio Armani, who died in September at age 91, is the subject of dual anniversary exhibitions in the fashion capital. Running through December 28 at the brand’s Armani/Silos space, Giorgio Armani Prive: 2005-2025 celebrates his two decades in haute couture with a showcase of more than 150 looks, including dresses worn by Michelle Yeoh, Cate Blanchett, and Demi Moore. A second show of his exquisite designs, at the Pinacoteca di Brera (a short walk from Four Seasons Hotel Milan), marks 50 years since the brand’s founding in 1975.  

At Fondazione Prada, from September 18 to February 26, 2026, Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu presents Sueño Perro. The multisensory exhibition will reveal never-before-seen footage from his debut feature Amores Perros, released 25 years ago. 

Paris

Known as the high priest of fashion’s avant-garde, Rick Owens is the subject of a stunning retrospective, Rick Owens: The Temple of Love at the Palais Galliera through January 4, 2026. The California-born, Paris-based designer, who is the exhibition’s artistic director, even extended his vision to the building of the façade, draping enormous statues in sequined fabric. Just a few blocks away is Four Seasons Hotel George V. Paris, which, in collaboration with French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, has just completed a three-year renovation of its 243 guest accommodations, giving each space the feel of a Parisian pied-à-terre.