The exhibition will run from 21 March to 1 November 2026.
Next spring, London will welcome one of the most iconic names in haute couture as the Victoria and Albert Museum unveils Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, the first exhibition in the United Kingdom dedicated entirely to the avant-garde fashion house.
Running from 21 March to 1 November 2026, the landmark show will take place at the museum’s Sainsbury Gallery in South Kensington and promises a dazzling exploration of Elsa Schiaparelli’s surrealist legacy, alongside the boundary-pushing vision of current creative director Daniel Roseberry.
Founded in 1927, Schiaparelli has long been celebrated for its blend of fashion and fine art. The exhibition will showcase over 200 pieces, ranging from Schiaparelli’s most provocative creations to extraordinary artistic collaborations with legends such as Jean Cocteau, Man Ray, and Pablo Picasso.
Highlights include the house’s most iconic garments, such as the infamous Skeleton Dress and Tears Dress, both of which are already part of the V&A’s permanent collection and will be showcased alongside new additions that reflect Roseberry’s modern reimagining of the brand.
Speaking at a press event in Paris, Schiaparelli CEO Delphine Bellini explained: “One of the intentions of this exhibition is to highlight the relationship between the house of Schiaparelli and London – Elsa Schiaparelli was highly involved in the location. We have been at Harrods since January 2023, but we recently moved to another space, within the prestigious store - one that really speaks to Daniel Roseberry’s vision. So this really is the time for us to take over the city of London.”
V&A Director Tristram Hunt added: “The response from collectors and other museums has been unprecedented. We have been able to secure some of the best loans in terms of fine arts that we have ever had in a fashion exhibition before. That speaks to the level of respect the house of Schiaparelli has within the art community and Elsa Schiaparelli’s impact on the arts.”
Whether you’re a student of style, a devotee of surrealism, or simply a lover of extraordinary craftsmanship, this is a must-see addition to London’s cultural calendar in 2026.
GO: Visit vam.ac.uk for more information.