London’s fashion calendar is about to get a surrealist upgrade. From 28 March 2026, the Victoria and Albert Museum will host Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art — the first-ever UK exhibition dedicated to one of fashion’s most imaginative houses.
Spanning nearly a century of design, the exhibition explores the legacy of Elsa Schiaparelli, while also tracing the evolution of her Parisian couture house under creative director Daniel Roseberry.
A Fashion Exhibition Like No Other
Set within the V&A’s Sainsbury Gallery, the exhibition brings together more than 400 objects, including over 100 full looks and 50 artworks. As a result, visitors can expect an immersive journey through fashion, art, performance, and culture.
Moreover, the exhibition highlights how Schiaparelli consistently blurred the boundaries between clothing and art, long before it became a defining industry concept. In doing so, it positions her as one of the most forward-thinking designers of the 20th century.
Iconic Designs and Surrealist Collaborations
At the heart of the exhibition is Schiaparelli’s deep connection with the Surrealist movement. In particular, her collaborations with artists such as Salvador Dalí, Jean Cocteau, and Man Ray take centre stage.
For instance, visitors will encounter the 1938 Skeleton Dress, which reimagines the human form through sculptural tailoring. Similarly, the Tears Dress showcases illusion and craftsmanship in equal measure. Meanwhile, the iconic Lobster Dress — created with Dalí — perfectly captures Schiaparelli’s playful yet provocative approach to design.
In addition, these garments are displayed alongside artworks by figures including Pablo Picasso, thereby creating a compelling dialogue between fashion and fine art.
Schiaparelli’s London Connection
While Paris remained her creative base, Schiaparelli’s influence extended firmly into London. Notably, the exhibition shines a spotlight on her Mayfair salon, opened in 1933, which helped shape British fashion culture at the time.
As a result, visitors can explore rarely seen garments bearing the Schiaparelli London label, including couture pieces worn to the coronation of King George VI. Furthermore, this section highlights her relationships with influential British clients, reinforcing her status as a truly international designer.
From Couture Pioneer to Modern Icon
Finally, the exhibition brings the story into the present day. Under Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli has re-emerged as one of the most talked-about couture houses in the world.
Consequently, his designs — worn by stars such as Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa — reinterpret the house’s surrealist DNA for a new generation.
In particular, Roseberry’s work blends sculptural silhouettes with theatrical detailing, ensuring that Schiaparelli remains at the forefront of global fashion conversations.
Why This Exhibition Matters
Ultimately, Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art is more than a retrospective. Instead, it serves as a celebration of fashion as a powerful creative force.
By redefining beauty, identity, and expression, Elsa Schiaparelli helped shape modern fashion as we know it. Therefore, this exhibition not only honours her legacy but also demonstrates her continued influence on contemporary design.
Exhibition Details
- Exhibition: Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art
- Location: Victoria and Albert Museum
- Dates: 28 March – 8 November 2026
- Tickets & Info: vam.ac.uk