This week in our newsletter, we present a selection of fashion exhibitions that you simply must see. From Barbie to Naomi to Paolo Roversi – experience the magic of what we wear up close in museums and galleries.
Our TV screens are currently filled with incredible fashion shows. From Disney’s exploration of the beautiful world of original haute couture by Cristóbal Balenciaga to Apple’s deep dive into the rivalry between Christian Dior and Coco Chanel in “The New Look,” and Kevin Macdonald’s shocking yet insightful look into John Galliano, it has never been more stylish to be lazy.
However, if you’re aiming to reduce your screen time, there are also many fashion-related exhibitions that will tempt you to venture out into the real world. Here’s a summary of the best exhibitions to note down now…
The Biba Story, 1964-1975
The evolution of Barbara Hulanicki’s Biba is depicted in this exhibition. It explores how the London-based fashion label transitioned from a niche and budget brand to a full-fledged lifestyle brand that encompassed a huge store on Kensington High Street, selling makeup, food, and interior decor. Visitors can see over 40 outfits from the 1960s and 70s, including some from Hulanicki’s private archive as well as clothing from private collectors. With fans like Twiggy, Cher, and Brigitte Bardot, expect plenty of psychedelic floral patterns and leopard prints.
March to September 8, 2024, Fashion and Textile Museum, London
Icons of British Fashion
Featuring some of the greatest names in British fashion past and present, this exhibition is the largest to date at Blenheim Palace. In addition to clothing and accessories from designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, Jean Muir, and Bruce Oldfield, there are archival materials, sketches, and original patterns for visitors to study. Each room is dedicated to a different icon, creating an opulent and highly Instagrammable environment.
March to June 30, 2024, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Unpicking Couture
This exhibition celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and a sustainable approach to repair work, highlighting the people behind some of the most groundbreaking haute couture looks in the fashion world, including Christian Dior and Alexander McQueen. It allows visitors to examine vintage pieces up close and also sheds light on Charles Worth, the Lincolnshire-born fashion designer often referred to as the “father of haute couture.” A recently restored silk velvet jacket from the 1930s by Italian couturier Elsa Schiaparelli is a must-see.
Until January 12, 2025, Manchester Art Gallery
Barbie: The Exhibition
Although Margot Robbie has finally abandoned her #Barbiecore wardrobe, the Barbie effect is still going strong outside Hollywood. To celebrate the brand’s 65th anniversary, the Design Museum, in collaboration with Mattel, has put together a huge new exhibition showcasing more than 180 dolls, with a focus on fashion by tracing Barbie’s clothing since the creation of the OG doll by Ruth Handler in 1959.
July to February 23, 2025, Design Museum, London
Material Power Palestinian Embroidery
The evolution of embroidery in Palestine over the past century is the focus of this exhibition. It includes over 40 dresses and embroidered objects, some of which have been lent by private collectors in Jordan and Palestine, and “aims to unfold an intimate, human story of Palestine through clothing.” The ancient practice, called “tatreez” in Arabic, is known for its beautiful and intricate techniques, materials, and motifs. Primarily performed by women, it has become a powerful symbol of the nation, often documenting the personal memories and experiences of the seamstress in resistance.
Until April 7, 2024, Whitworth, Manchester
Blandford Fashion Museum, Dorset
Located in a beautifully preserved Georgian house, the museum showcases a collection of pieces from the 1830s to the 1970s, documenting changes in style during that time. With an ongoing program of exhibition rotations, there is also a lively lecture series throughout the year. In April, lecturer and costume designer Anya Glinski will explore the romantic styles of the 1820s with their Bridgerton-esque bodices and puff sleeves.
Naomi
To celebrate Naomi Campbell’s incredible 40-year career, the V&A dedicates its next spectacle to the fashion icon, the first time a model has been the sole focus of an exhibition at the institute. In addition to designer pieces from Campbell’s own wardrobe (from Azzedine Alaïa to Chanel), her close friend, former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, curates a selection of her best fashion photographs, while another section highlights her philanthropic work.
From June 22, 2024, V&A Museum, London
Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion
With about 250 exhibits from the Costume Institute’s permanent collection, this exhibition is celebrated by the Met Gala on the first Monday in May, picking up its theme with an official dress code of “The Garden of Time.” As for the exhibition itself, it includes many garments and accessories spanning four centuries, some of which are rarely seen in public. Some are even too fragile to be worn. Video animations and sensory stimulation techniques are used to tell the stories behind each piece. Everything from a 17th-century bodice to modern pieces by Stella McCartney exploring new regenerative materials.
May to September 2, 2024, The Met, New York
Paolo Roversi
With a career spanning almost five decades, Paolo Roversi has become one of the most sought-after photographers in the fashion industry. This exhibition sheds light on his sepia-toned black and white images, often taken in natural light. You can expect to see some of his most unforgettable works for publications such as W magazine, Vogue, and i-D alongside his collaborations with Yohji Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons. There are also plenty of unpublished images and Polaroid prints to see.
March to July 14, 2024, Palais Galliera, Paris
Fashion on the Move
Ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games starting in July in Paris, this exhibition examines the role of clothing in sports. With over 200 exhibits, it aims to show how women’s clothing has changed from the late 19th century to today, where sportswear has become an everyday look. Everything from swimsuits to cycling clothing to motorcycle jackets is on display to show how the liberation of the body through physical activity has helped change mentalities and beauty ideals.
From April 26, 2024, Palais Galliera, Paris
Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses
Five years in the making, “Sculpting the Senses” pays tribute to 39-year-old Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen. She is the youngest female designer to be the subject of a solo exhibition at the museum. Known for her futuristic aesthetic, she was one of the first to use 3D printing technology. A selection of over 100 haute couture pieces is juxtaposed with works by multidisciplinary artists such as Philip Beesley and architecture designers like Ferruccio Laviani. Until April 28, 2024
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