5 Fashion Exhibitions You Need to See This Year
Forget going to music or food festivals and put aside summer TV bingeing until later because the place to be this year is in the museum. Once seen as despairingly unpopular museums have become the new cool culture thanks to must-see exhibitions in fashion, art, history and even beauty.
Unsure of those must-see displays you need to visit this year? Then thankfully for you we’ve discovered the best fashion exhibitions covering everything from nature to couture to make sure you get your fashion fix and gain a little VIP excess to the industry.
Fashioned From Nature
When: 21st April 2018 – 27th January 2019
Fashion and nature have never been more connected than what they are right now and through this new V&A exhibition, curated by Edwina Ehrman, it’s time to re-think how the two are perceived. Trail through 400 years of clothing and accessories that have all drawn from nature’s aesthetics to discover the creative and laborious journey it takes from ground to garment. From Emma Watson’s Calvin Klein dress created from recycled plastics, to those famous t-shirts by Katherine Hamnett, there’s more ways than one to re-conceptualise what fashion and consumption mean today and, through interactive installations, what it’ll mean for the future.
Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up
When: 16th June 2018 – 4th November 2018
Unlock the artistic magic behind the most inspirational Mexican woman that is Frida Kahlo in the latest V&A exhibition to open, as co-curated by Claire Wilcox and Circe Henestrosa. Discover how, as a feminist, Kahlo reinvented her sense of style despite the pitfalls of tragedy to became her own muse that always represented her Mexican culture. Take a journey through personal artefacts that have been hidden for more than 50 years and unearth personal self-portraits, her cosmetics, and her extraordinary collection of clothing.
Diana: Her Fashion Story
Where: Kensington Palace, London
When: 24th February 2017 – 6th January 2019
Trace your eyes through the historic and momentous style of Princess Diana of Wales in this critically acclaimed exhibition. From that blue tartan Emmanuel suit, the ‘Travolta’ dress by Victor Edelstein, or the instantly recognisable ‘Elvis’ dress designed by Catherine Walker, immerse yourself in Diana’s most memorable outfits at her former home of Kensington Palace. Enjoy the open space to remember Britain’s most fashionable woman alongside original designer sketches and photographs taken by Diana’s favourite photographer, Mario Testino.
Orla Kiely: A Life In Pattern
When: 25th May 2018 – 23rd September 2018
Her patterns are instantly recognisable having been circulating the industry for two decades, inspiring countless designers along the way and instilling live throughout the home through kitchenware, furniture, wallpaper, and even stationary. Obviously, it’s Orla Keily, once dubbed the Queen of Prints by the Guardian and a designer whose ‘Stem’ print has become a trademark synonymous with her label and the textile industry alike. Explore her decorative nature through over 150 prints, as well as collaborations with photographers, architects, and even the car industry through exclusive access to archives and Keily’s creative world.
Azzedine Alaia: The Couturier
Where: Design Museum, London
When: 10th May 2018 - 7th November 2018
When Azzedine Alaia passed away last November he left a lasting legacy on the world of fashion and now, in his first solo exhibition, the work of this Tunisian-born designer is unveiled to the public. Expect to discover his profound passion for the female body and what it meant to rebel against conformation to create acclaimed couture. The exhibition displays rare and iconic dresses spanning from the early 1980s to his final year that are coveted by the A-list and die-hard fashion fans even now. Alongside this immerse yourself with glimpses of his life and uncover Alaia’s craft through photography and personal quotes installed in this intimate space.