5 Must-See Fashion Exhibitions To Visit in London
It’s time to get inspired.
Planning to see some fashion exhibitions in London but not sure what’s on? Here, I’m sharing six must-see exhibitions that are on in the British capital at the V&A, Design Museum, William Morris Gallery and more of London’s best cultural hubs. I don’t know about you, but nothing gets me more excited and inspired than seeing groundbreaking fashion in the flesh. I recently saw the Ashish exhibition at the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow (more on that later!) and was immediately flooded with this desire to get creative.
When you live in London (and even if you don’t), it’s easy to forget all the exciting things that are happening in the city. If you’re anything like me, you barely leave your area unless it’s to go to work. But after hearing about what’s going on just down the road, I have a sneaking suspicion you’re about to get out a whole lot more.
Keep reading for the best fashion exhibitions to see in London. Next, check out AW23’s biggest trends and everything you need to know about London Fashion Week.
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Ashish: Fall in Love and Be More Tender, William Morris Gallery
WHAT: William Morris presents Ashish: Fall in Love and Be More Tender, the first ever major exhibition showcasing designer Ashish Gupta’s creations. The exhibition holds over 60 of Gupta’s beautiful and subversive designs, including the ‘MORE GLITTER LESS TWITTER’ sequin T-shirt and many more pieces featuring political slogans devised by the designer.
WHEN: Now – 10th September, 2023
HOW MUCH: Free entry (suggested donation £5)
WHERE: William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park House, 531 Forest Rd, London E17 4PP
More info at wmgallery.co.uk
DIVA, V&A
WHAT: For a limited time only, see looks from stars including Lizzo, Rihanna, Elton John and Whitney Houston at the DIVA exhibition at the V&A, sponsored by Net-A-Porter. Celebrating the ‘power and creativity of iconic performers,’ the exhibition looks at how the title of ‘diva’ has evolved over time and across the stage, opera, film and the music industry.
WHEN: Now – 7th April, 2024
HOW MUCH: £20. Members go free. Book here.
WHERE: V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL
More info at vam.ac.uk
REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion, The Design Museum
WHAT: Sponsored by Alexander McQueen and in collaboration with the British Fashion Council (BFC), the REBEL exhibition is set to be one of the widest-ranging looks at contemporary fashion culture to ever exist in the UK. It will follow the story of hundreds of young fashion designers and take a look at how they forged their own paths in the industry. Expect almost 100 fashion looks, including Björk’s swan dress from the 2001 Oscars, Harry Styles’ Steven Stokey Daley outfit from his Golden video and a unique replica of Sam Smith’s inflatable latex suit by HARRI from this year’s BRIT Awards.
WHEN: 16th September, 2023 – 11th February, 2024
HOW MUCH: From £16.33. Members go free. Book here.
WHERE: The Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG
More info at designmuseum.org
The Offbeat Sari, The Design Museum
WHAT: Explore this major exhibition at The Design Museum, which examines and celebrates the contemporary sari in its numerous forms and identities. Visitors will go through the journey of the sari from an everyday garment, to a symbol of resistance. Curated by the museum’s Head of Curatorial Priya Khanchandani, you’ll get to see dozens of saris from designers, wearers and craftspeople from India.
WHEN: Now – 17th September, 2023
HOW MUCH: From £12.60. Members go free. Book here.
WHERE: The Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG
More info at designmuseum.org
Crown to Couture, Kensington Palace
WHAT: There’s over 200 items in the Crown to Couture exhibition, including ball gowns, jewellery and handbags. Perhaps most notably however are the inclusion of Beyoncé’s 2017 Grammy Awards outfit, Kendall Jenner’s Givenchy dress worn to the 2021 Met Gala and Katy Perry’s Moschino outfit worn to the 2019 event. The exhibition looks at the connection between the exuberant fashion most often worn by celebrities today and the Georgian Royal Court.
WHEN: Now – 29th October, 2023
HOW MUCH: Included in Palace admission (from £25.40). Members go free. Book here.
WHERE: Kensington Palace, Pigott Galleries, King’s State Apartments, Queen’s State Apartments
More info at hrp.org.uk
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