8 Must-See Fashion Exhibitions To Add To Your Radar
Whether you’re a fashion fanatic or simply consider mooching around a gallery an afternoon well spent, London’s 2026 exhibition calendar is shaping up to be one for the books. From surrealist couture at the V&A to the centenary celebrations of royals and Hollywood icons, there is plenty to fill your diary. Here is your definitive guide to the fashion exhibitions to look out for this year:
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art
Landing at the V&A on March 28th, this marks the UK’s first exhibition on Elsa Schiaparelli and spans over 100 years of the designer’s life and influence. It will trace the fashion house’s groundbreaking origins and evolution under its current creative director, Daniel Roseberry.
The impressive showcase features over 200 objects, combining high fashion with fine art, photography, and archival treasures. Beyond displaying some of Schiaparelli’s most iconic pieces, notably both the Skeleton and Tears dresses, the exhibition will also showcase works from Elsa’s collaborators, Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, and Man Ray.
Where: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL
Website: www.V&A.com
Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait
In celebration of the Hollywood star’s 100th birthday, The National Portrait Gallery will be displaying a collection that explores the life, legacy and career of Marilyn Monroe. The exhibition will be open to the public on June 4th and aims to peel back the ‘blonde bombshell’ persona to reveal the woman behind the image.
It will bring together works by Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty, Marlene Dumas, and James Gill, displayed alongside a collection of Monroe’s personal belongings, including clothing, books, and scripts.
Where: St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE
Website: www.nationalportraitgallery.com
The 90s
Perhaps one of my most anticipated exhibitions will take place during the latter half of this year, from October 8th onwards. It is a massive cross-disciplinary retrospective designed to capture the essence of the “Cool Britannia” optimism of the 1990s. What’s more, it has been guest curated by the former Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful OBE.
It will showcase images from a range of iconic photographers, including Juergen Teller, Nick Knight, David Sims, and Corinne Day. They will be displayed alongside works by artists such as Damien Hirst, Gillian Wearing, and Yinka Shonibare. With regard to fashion, visitors can expect to see a selection of groundbreaking archival collections from designers Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and Hussein Chalayan.
Where: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
Website: www.tatebritain.com
Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop
Over at The Fashion and Textile Museum, Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop, is open for public viewing until March 8th. In celebration of the diamond anniversary of Cosprop, one of the world’s leading costume houses, it is offering a rare “behind-the-seams” look at the artistry which brings period dramas to life.
From A Room With A View, to Downton Abbey and Peaky Blinders, the exhibition invites you to explore some of the most famous costumes from film and television.
Where: 83 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3XF
Website: www.fashionandtextilemuseum.com
Nigo: From Japan with Love
Nigo: From Japan with Love invites visitors to explore the vision and legacy of Japanese designer and creative director NIGO. The exhibition will be held at The Design Museum from May 1st onwards and will celebrate over 30 years of his influence on fashion, music, and global youth culture.
The showcase will span NIGO’s early years as the Artistic Director of Kenzo, through to founding the clothing brand Bathing Ape. It will also shine a light on his collaborations with the likes of Pharrell Williams, Virgil Abloh, and brands Nike and Adidas Originals.
Where: 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG
Website: www.designmuseum.com
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style
Staged at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, this landmark exhibition will mark the centenary of the late Queen’s birth and will be the largest and most comprehensive display of her fashion ever staged. It is set to feature roughly 200 items, of which nearly half will be displayed to the public for the first time. Opening on April 10th, the exhibition will document a pivotal ten-year period of the monarch’s life, from birth to adulthood and from princess to queen.
Among some of the most coveted objects on display will be her 1947 wedding dress and her 1953 coronation gown, both designed by her primary couturier, Norman Hartnell.
View the most comprehensive display of Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion ever staged at The King’s Gallery.
Where: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
Website: www.kingsgallery.com
Marie Antoinette Style
Don’t miss your chance to view one of this year’s most iconic fashion exhibitions at the V&A. Marie Antoinette Style is running until March 22nd and is an absolute must-see. The exhibition displays over 250 objects that reposition Antoinette not just as a historical figure but as a modern-day celebrity who fundamentally shaped the luxury trade of the 18th century.
What’s more, at the heart of the exhibition is the presentation of one of the most famous paintings in history, Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun’s Marie Antoinette à la Rose. The final section explores her legacy in modern fashion, featuring designs by Christian Dior, Chanel and Vivienne Westwood.
Where: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL
Website: www.V&A.com
Gianni Versace Retrospective
Another one to catch before it closes, Gianni Versace Retrospective is open until March 1st. Situated at the Arches London Bridge, this exhibition offers an immersive journey through the 20-year career of one of fashion’s greats. With over 450 rare and original vintage pieces on display, the exhibition celebrates the designer’s fearless creativity spanning 21 of his greatest collections. An exhibition highlight is the celebrity room, which showcases legendary looks worn by Princess Diana, Elton John, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.
Where: 8 Bermondsey St, London SE1 2ER
Website: www.archeslondonbridge.com
