The V&A unveils “Schiaparelli Fashion Becomes Art” The first exhibition dedicated to Schiaparelli in the United Kingdom
On March 28, 2026, the V&A will inaugurate the first exhibition ever held in the United Kingdom entirely dedicated to Schiaparelli. Spanning from the 1920s to the present day, the exhibition retraces the history and impact of Elsa Schiaparelli, one of the most innovative designers of the 20th century. From the origins of the Maison and its early revolutionary garments that reshaped stylistic codes, to its current interpretation under the creative direction of Daniel Roseberry.
The exhibition’s curation explores the work of founder Elsa Schiaparelli and her creative collaborations, forming a network of intersections between fashion, art and performance, moving across Paris, London and New York in the years between the two World Wars. At the core of the exhibition are some of her most iconic garments, rarely displayed, drawn from the Maison’s heritage.
Delphine Bellini, CEO of Schiaparelli, stated: «Elsa Schiaparelli’s bold imagination and radical vision redefined the boundaries between fashion and art. This exhibition celebrates her lasting influence through iconic collaborations with masters of the 20th century and a pioneering fusion of creativity and commerce. With its unparalleled collections, expertise in fashion and design, cultural reach and ability to merge tradition and innovation, the Victoria and Albert Museum offers the perfect context to highlight her legacy alongside the creations of Daniel Roseberry, who continues her surrealist spirit by blurring boundaries through bold and sculptural design that honors and reinvents her vision for a new century».
The exhibition, structured in four sections: Designing the Modern Wardrobe; Creative Constellations; Beyond Paris and Golden Thread, will feature over 400 objects, including 100 ensembles and 50 artworks, as well as accessories, jewelry, paintings, photographs, sculptures, furniture, perfumes and archival materials.
Among the most important pieces are the Skeleton Dress from 1938, the only example in the world (part of the V&A’s permanent collection), and the Tears Dress from the same year, together with the iconic upside-down shoe hat, all created in collaboration with Salvador Dalí. Works by Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Man Ray and Eileen Agar will also be on display, alongside several costumes designed by Schiaparelli for cinema and theatre. Closing the exhibition are the spectacular creations of Daniel Roseberry, worn by stars such as Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa.
Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, stated: «Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art will celebrate one of the most brilliant and daring designers in the history of fashion. The V&A holds one of the largest and most prestigious fashion collections in the world, as well as the most important British collection of Schiaparelli garments. Schiaparelli’s collaborations with artists and the world of entertainment make the Maison and its founder the perfect subject for an extraordinary exhibition at the V&A».
The haute couture Maison Schiaparelli has redefined the codes of style and the concepts of beauty of the modern era. Today, from the iconic Schiaparelli atelier at 21 Place Vendôme, creative director Daniel Roseberry leads the historic Maison into a new chapter, shaping a body of work that continues to influence and inspire contemporary global culture.
