There’s nothing like getting up close and personal with some stellar craftsmanship or diving into the world of design.
London is one of the fashion capitals of the world, and so, it’s only right that it’s also home to some incredible exhibitions. If you’re planning on spending a lazy afternoon visiting one of the city’s museums and galleries, this year you’ll be spoilt for choice.
How we chose:
All the fashion exhibitions we’ve highlighted below are situated in London and available to visit in 2024. Chic cultural influx incoming…
Hello! Fashion shares the London fashion exhibitions to have on your radar this year:
Back In The Dazed: Rankin 1991-2001
Back in the Dazed is Rankin’s latest exhibition spotlighting his legendary photography and one unforgettable decade. From cult celebrities and musical icons to top supermodels, Rankin captured the essence of ‘Cool Britannia’ and 90s style, a vibe that’s still hot today. As Dazed & Confused‘s co-founder and first Photographic Editor, his striking visuals shaped youth culture across generations. This UK retrospective showcases Rankin’s groundbreaking work, inviting you to relive the culture and creativity that defined an era. Step into Rankin’s world and experience the enduring coolness of the 90s.
From May 28 2024 – June 23 2024 at 180 Studios, WC2R 1EA
Beyond Fashion
Beyond Fashion is a fabulous celebration of top fashion photographers from around the world, showcasing the dazzling evolution of fashion photography. You’ll find works by legendary names like Nick Knight, Peter Lindbergh, Viviane Sassen, Paolo Roversi, Miles Aldridge, and Ellen von Unwerth, alongside a fresh crop of rising stars in the field. This exhibition shines a spotlight on the visionary creativity of these artists, charting the transformation of fashion photography into a vibrant visual language. The exhibition is cleverly divided into four sections: Allure, Fantasy, Realism, and Surrealism. It’s a fashionista’s dream come true, taking you on a journey from the glossy glamour of studio shoots to the gritty charm of street photography, revealing the wide array of aesthetics that fashion photography can embody. Get ready to feast your eyes on iconic images, famous faces, and dynamic brands from classic Vogue covers to unforgettable moments like Victoria Beckham’s legs in a Marc Jacobs shopping bag. This exhibiton features supermodels and stars like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Christy Turlington. You’ll also spot top designers such as Christian Dior, Comme des Garçons, Alexander McQueen, and Valentino, along with street style legend, The Sartorialist.
From 31 May 2024 – 8 September 2024 at the Saatchi Gallery, SW3 4RY
Naomi
Titled ‘NAOMI,’ this groundbreaking exhibition highlights Campbell’s enduring impact on the global fashion scene. What distinguishes this exhibition is its collaborative nature, with Campbell playing an active role in its curation. Her voice and perspective will be prominently featured, offering an intimate glimpse into her extraordinary journey. The exhibition will present around 100 meticulously curated looks, including haute couture pieces and top ready-to-wear ensembles from Campbell’s personal wardrobe. Additionally, the display will feature loans from prestigious designer archives and select items from the V&A collection.
From 22 June 2024 to 6 April 2025 at the V&A, SW7 2RL
Icons of British Fashion
Although this one is technically outside of London, the new Icons of British Fashion exhibition at Blenheim Palace deserves a special mention because it is well worth the trip. Blenheim Palace has collaborated with some of Britain’s most iconic fashion designers and brands including Vivienne Westwood, Terry de Havilland, Stella McCartney and Stephen Jones Millinery for Christian Dior. Each room in Britain’s Greatest Palace will pay homage to a British fashion icon and feature a display of renowned classic pieces, as well as never-before-seen looks.
Until 30 June 2024 at Blenheim Palace, OX20 1PS
Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto
The first UK exhibition dedicated to the pioneering couturière opens at the V&A at the end of the summer. Featuring 180 of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel’s designs, spanning jewellery, accessories and perfume, as well as rarely-exhibited outfits, fashion fans will have a total blast.
Until 25 Februrary 2024 at the Victoria and Albert Museum, SW7 2RL
The Biba Story, 1964-1975
“It isn’t just selling dresses, it’s a whole way of life,” said Biba founder and fashion illustrator Barbara Hulanicki in 1970. The trailblazer couldn’t have been more right, foreseeing the close interplay between fashion and lifestyle that is now ubiquitous. Featuring must-see pieces of archival clothing, photographs, film and more, this exhibition by the Fashion and Textile Museum explores how a mail-order company bloomed into one of the biggest zeigeist brands of the 1960s and 1970s, shaping shopping habits and inspiring consumers.
From 22 March to 8 September 2024 at the Fashion and Textile Museum, SE1 3XF
DIVA
You can always rely on the Victoria & Albert for a museum experience that will stay with you. Exploring the term ‘diva’, this exhibition examines how the stereotype has been subverted and challenged time and time again by iconic performers. Expect a plethora of super glam costumes including Rihanna‘s saintly Maison Margiela Met Gala extravaganza and, my personal favourite, music legend Sade’s glitzy two-piece by Gioia Meller Marcovicz.
Until 30 April 2024 at the Victoria and Albert Museum, SW7 2RL
The Fabric of Democracy
Curated by renowned fashion historian Amber Butchart, this exhibition is set to take a closer look at printed propaganda textiles from over the course of two centuries. Following the Industrial Revolution, printing techniques became more advanced and as a result, fabric could be decorated quicker, and with more intricate designs, than ever before. Learn how prints were used as a tool of influence across the political spectrum, ranging from French toile de Jouy to Chinese Cultural Revolution-era fabrics.
Until 3 March 2024 at the Fashion and Textile Museum, SE1 3XF
Barbie: The Exhibition
If you’re not ready to say goodbye to Barbiemania, you’ll love the Design Museum’s deep dive into the history and evolution of the iconic doll which is scheduled to open this summer. Coinciding with the brand’s 65th anniversary, this exhibition will explain the reasoning behind Ruth Handler’s creation and explore the influence of Barbie on the wider cultural landscape, including fashion, architecture and furniture.
From 5 July 2024 to 23 February 2025 at the Design Museum, W8 6AG
Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners shaped global style
Fashion City at the Museum of London Docklands unearths and celebrates the inspiring contributions made by Jewish designers to the capital’s fashion scene. Discover key figures such as pioneering milliner Otto Lucas and wedding dress designer Netty Spiegel, and learn how they rose to the the top of their crafts through photographs, objects and textiles.
Until 14 April 2024 at the Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL
Why you should trust me:
Orin Carlin is Hello! Fashion’s SEO Content Writer. Promising to leave no stone unturned in the name of fashion and beauty journalism, she is the proud creator of our ‘Try The Trend’ series. With a particular interest in formula innovation, microtrends, royal and bridal beauty, perfume, rituals, treatments, fashion history and vintage icons, she can either be found interviewing major industry names (previous subjects include Georgia May Jagger, Mary Greenwell and Sam McKnight) or scouring the internet for must-have pieces. It’s not just a job; it’s a personal quest to unearth noteworthy pieces that resonate with style and beauty enthusiasts.
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