Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at V&A Museum With Over 400 Iconic Pieces

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is set to host the exhibition “Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art” from March 28 to November 8, 2026. This showcase features over 400 pieces, including 100 ensembles and 50 artworks, highlighting the influential career of designer Elsa Schiaparelli, from her debut in Paris in the 1920s to her London salon established in 1933.

Celebrating a Visionary

The exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in Schiaparelli’s world, where fashion transcends mere aesthetics. Iconic pieces on display include whimsical hats shaped like upside-down shoes, the 1938 Skeleton and Tears dresses, and the surreal Lobster dress, accompanied by Salvador Dalí’s Lobster Telephone. Collaborations with artists such as Jean Cocteau, Man Ray, and Pablo Picasso exemplify how Schiaparelli used clothing to engage in dialogues about identity and creativity.

According to Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, the exhibition celebrates Schiaparelli as one of fashion history’s most ingenious and daring designers. The museum boasts one of the largest and most significant fashion collections globally, including the foremost collection of Schiaparelli garments in Britain.

The Art of Clothing

Schiaparelli’s designs transcend conventional fashion. She once stated, “For me, dress designing is not a profession but an art,” a philosophy reflected in every piece displayed. The exhibition features trompe-l’œil jumpers from 1927, sharply tailored suits for women, and shimmering lamé gowns. Each creation exemplifies technical prowess and imaginative flair, prompting visitors to consider how Schiaparelli crafted designs that continue to resonate today.

The exhibition emphasizes that at the V&A, fashion is analyzed and framed as part of a broader cultural conversation. The pieces displayed go beyond decoration; they provoke and inspire across generations.

Radical Innovations

Schiaparelli’s approach revolutionized not only design but also fashion business practices. She transformed everyday objects into memorable creations and blurred the lines between creative innovation and commercial strategy. The exhibition pays particular attention to her London salon, which became a center of the British surrealist movement, influencing her designs significantly.

Garments from this era, including intricately embroidered velvet suits and ceremonial coats, reveal Schiaparelli’s adaptation to a new environment while maintaining her distinctive vision. The display of these pieces in London offers a unique perspective, highlighting the city’s role in the social and cultural contexts that shaped her work.

Bridging Past and Present

The concluding section of the exhibition juxtaposes historical pieces with contemporary creations by designer Daniel Roseberry, showcasing the continued relevance of Schiaparelli’s aesthetic. Iconic garments like the Skeleton dress and modern interpretations such as Roseberry’s gowns worn by celebrities, including Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande, highlight how fashion can evolve while honoring a distinctive legacy.

Roseberry’s work expands upon Schiaparelli’s techniques—draping, embroidery, and sculptural tailoring—through a modern lens. His designs combine dramatic silhouettes with references to both contemporary culture and the historical context of Schiaparelli’s innovations. Delphine Bellini, CEO of Schiaparelli, noted that Roseberry carries forward the surrealist spirit with bold, sculptural designs that honor and reinvent Schiaparelli’s vision.

By featuring Roseberry’s creations, the exhibition demonstrates that Schiaparelli’s work is not merely historical but remains an inspiration for contemporary designers. Each collection continues to garner attention, influencing social media and the fashion landscape.

A Lasting Legacy

The exhibition “Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art” asserts that authentic fashion design is rooted in thought, skill, and imagination. Schiaparelli created more than garments; she offered ideas embodied in fabric. In an era where many individuals can claim the title of designer, true innovation and lasting influence are rarer. Current statistics indicate that only a small fraction of new fashion brands establish sustainable careers.

This exhibition, crucial for any London visit, affirms that at its highest form, fashion functions as a medium for artistic expression. The interplay between Schiaparelli’s historical pieces and Roseberry’s contemporary work underscores the enduring impact of her vision.

For additional information, visitors can refer to the exhibition details at the V&A Museum here.