A New Chapter in Fashion History
The Victoria and Albert Museum is set to unveil a groundbreaking exhibition that will celebrate the legacy of one of the most innovative names in fashion. This will be the first major UK display dedicated to the haute couture house Schiaparelli, offering an in-depth look at its rich history and cultural impact.
Scheduled to open in March 2026, the exhibition will trace the journey of Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli, who founded Maison Schiaparelli in the 1920s. The show will also highlight the current creative direction of the brand under the leadership of Daniel Roseberry, the current creative director. Titled Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, this retrospective will be held in the Sainsbury Gallery and will feature over 200 items, including garments, accessories, jewellery, and paintings.
This exhibition marks a significant milestone for the V&A as it is the first to focus on the London branch of the Schiaparelli house. The collaboration between the museum and the brand has resulted in a unique collection that showcases the evolution of the brand over time.
Iconic Designs and Surrealist Collaborations
Among the standout pieces in the exhibition are several iconic designs that have become synonymous with Schiaparelli’s avant-garde approach. These include the Skeleton dress, which features quilting that mimics the structure of bones, and the Tears dress, known for its distinctive “tear” print. Another notable piece is a hat shaped like an upside-down shoe, created in partnership with surrealist artist Salvador Dali.
The exhibition will also explore how Schiaparelli’s work has influenced film and theatre. Artworks by renowned figures such as Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, French poet Jean Cocteau, and American visual artist Man Ray will be displayed, highlighting the intersection between fashion and the arts.
Visionaries Behind the Exhibition
Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, expressed his enthusiasm for the exhibition, stating: “Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art will celebrate one of the most ingenious and daring designers in fashion history. The V&A holds one of the largest and most important fashion collections in the world, and the foremost collection of Schiaparelli garments in Britain.”
Delphine Bellini, chief executive of Schiaparelli, added: “Elsa Schiaparelli’s fearless imagination and radical vision redefined the boundaries between fashion and art. This exhibition celebrates her enduring influence through iconic collaborations with 20th-century masters and a pioneering fusion of creativity and commerce.”
She continued: “With its unparalleled collections, expertise in fashion and design, cultural reach, and ability to bridge tradition and innovation, the Victoria and Albert Museum offers the perfect setting to showcase her legacy alongside Daniel Roseberry’s creations, which carry her surrealist spirit forward, blurring lines with bold, sculptural designs that both honour and reinvent her vision for a new century.”
A Legacy of Innovation
The exhibition is part of the V&A’s ongoing series of major fashion retrospectives, which have previously featured celebrated designers such as Gabrielle Chanel, Christian Dior, and Alexander McQueen. This latest display promises to be another landmark event in the museum’s history.
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art will run from March 21 to November 1, 2026. Tickets for the exhibition will go on sale in Autumn 2025, allowing visitors to plan ahead for what is sure to be a memorable experience.
