A landmark fashion exhibition has arrived in London as the Victoria and Albert Museum unveils “Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art,” the first UK exhibition dedicated to the legendary maison Schiaparelli. The showcase offers an expansive look into one of fashion’s most imaginative and influential brands, blending history, art, and couture into a single immersive experience.
The exhibition traces the origins of the house through its visionary founder, Elsa Schiaparelli, whose avant-garde approach revolutionized fashion in the early 20th century. Known for her surrealist collaborations and bold artistic vision, Schiaparelli blurred the boundaries between clothing and art. This philosophy forms the backbone of the exhibition, which highlights how her work challenged conventional design and redefined fashion as a creative discipline.
Featuring over 400 objects, including around 100 full ensembles, the exhibition is both extensive and deeply curated. Among the standout pieces are the iconic 1938 Skeleton dress and the Tears dress—both created in collaboration with surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. These garments exemplify Schiaparelli’s ability to merge fashion with fine art, transforming clothing into provocative visual statements.
The exhibition also includes artworks, accessories, jewelry, and archival materials, offering a holistic view of the brand’s creative universe. One particularly striking display pairs Dalí’s Lobster Telephone sculpture with the Schiaparelli Lobster dress, illustrating the direct dialogue between art and fashion that defined the brand’s identity.
Visitors are taken on a chronological journey, beginning with early designs such as the 1927 trompe l’oeil bow-knot sweater, and moving through the glamorous eveningwear of the Pour le Soir collections. These pieces highlight Schiaparelli’s technical innovation and playful experimentation, which continue to influence designers today.
Importantly, the exhibition does not stop at history. It also showcases the modern revival of the brand under creative director Daniel Roseberry. His contemporary interpretations maintain the house’s surrealist DNA while introducing a modern sensibility. Notable pieces on display include the dramatic gold lung necklace worn by Bella Hadid at Cannes 2021, as well as a reimagined skeleton dress worn by Dua Lipa at the 2024 Golden Globes.
This exhibition reinforces the Victoria and Albert Museum’s long-standing commitment to presenting fashion as an art form. It joins the ranks of previous major exhibitions dedicated to iconic houses such as Dior, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen, further solidifying fashion’s place within cultural and artistic discourse.
Running through November 8, 2026, “Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art” offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of a brand that has consistently pushed creative boundaries. From its surrealist roots to its contemporary resurgence, the exhibition captures the enduring impact of Schiaparelli on both fashion and art.
In essence, this is more than a fashion exhibition—it is a celebration of imagination, innovation, and the power of design to transcend traditional limits.
