GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The West Michigan community has a chance to get an up-close look at the works of fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen and his friend and photographer Ann Ray.

The ‘Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous‘ exhibition from Barrett Barrera Projects will open at the Grand Rapids Art Museum on Saturday. It’s the final stop planned for the tour of the exhibition and the first time it’s been in the Midwest.

The exhibition has more than 50 pieces from the influential British designer McQueen. Throughout the exhibition, there are also nearly 70 pieces from French photographer Ray.

McQueen, who died in 2010, and Ray shared a close friendship alongside their working relationship.

“You know, it was simple. He was part of my life, we loved each other. I had rendez-vous,” Ray has said about their friendship, according to a GRAM release.

She recalled that when they first started working together, McQueen told her, “I like your images but I’m broke. Give me your photos, I’ll give you clothes.”

Some of the pieces he gave her are part of the exhibition at the GRAM. Associate Curator Terra Warren told News 8 during a preview event Thursday that their connection and friendship is an integral theme of the exhibition.

“This really catalogues a 13-year intense creative collaboration, but also a deeply personal friendship between Lee Alexander McQueen — who I think everyone in the world probably knows — and his close confidant Ann Ray,” Warren said. “(Ray) is an exceptional fine art photographer who we’re really excited to introduce our community to.”

As people make their way through the two floors of the of exhibition, she said she hopes people will find a “renewed gratitude for the friendships in their own life.”

“One thing that this exhibition shows is that when you’re working with people that you love, and when you’re supporting your friends and family, it never really feels like work, and you can really elevate each other to new heights,” she said.

Warren added that she has reflected on the idea as the GRAM has organized the exhibition.

“How lucky I am to work with people that I love and how incredibly talented the people I’m surrounded by are,” she said. “I hope that people walk away with that sense of gratitude for their friends and family.”

Alongside themes of friendship, she said the exhibition also strives to show the mastery of the two artists, from McQueen’s prowess in tailoring to Ray’s ability to capture “magnificent photographs amongst the chaos” of fashion shows.

“We’re really working with two artists who were at the top of their game and really creative masterminds,” she said.

At the end of the exhibition is a portion where attendees can try their hand at designing. Organizers hope it will inspire community members to explore the fashion industry.

“(I) hope that people take another look at what they’re wearing and question … if how they are presenting themselves is how they feel inside, and to take more creative risks and liberties with how they’re entering the world every day,” said Warren.

The GRAM also has events planned throughout the three months of the exhibition, which is set to be on display through Jan. 12, 2025. On Nov. 17, fashion curator Sarah Rogers will give a lecture on McQueen and Ray and the influence they had on art and fashion.

In December, the GRAM will host what organizers say will be the ‘Met Gala of Grand Rapids.’

“Everyone is encouraged to show up in their best outfits and party here amongst the works before they leave us on January 12th,” Warren said.

Community members will also get the chance to see the works of McQueen and Ann for free on three community days, with the first slotted for Oct. 20.