Top Fashion Exhibitions in London 2026
London’s 2026 exhibition calendar is every fashion lover’s dream. From couture houses that redefined glamour to royal weddings and wardrobes, 90s rebellion and the club culture that shaped a generation, the city is celebrating style in all its forms. Whether you’re drawn to archival masterpieces, iconic pop culture moments or the craftsmanship behind film and television’s most memorable costumes, this year’s line-up proves that fashion is far more than clothing it’s art and history. Here are the must-see fashion exhibitions to add to your diary now.
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at the V&A
“In difficult times, fashion is always outrageous.” – Elsa Schiaparelli. This exhibition celebrates her groundbreaking influence from the 1920s to today, tracing the origins and evolution of the House of Schiaparelli while exploring the dynamic dialogue between fashion and art, and the fusion of Surrealism with refined, elegant design. Keeping her bold, boundary-pushing spirit alive, the exhibition highlights how her vision continues to shape contemporary fashion; opening in spring 2026, it will be the first exhibition of its kind in the UK to spotlight Schiaparelli.
When: 28 March – 1 November 2026
Where: V&A South Kensington (Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL)
Tickets: Weekday tickets from £28 and weekend tickets from £30 (members go free) | vam.ac.uk
Gianni Versace Retrospective at Arches London Bridge
More than 450 original Versace pieces are on display, including iconic looks worn by Princess Diana, Kate Moss, Elton John and Naomi Campbell. This immersive exhibition brings Versace’s extraordinary creativity to life through rare sketches, runway footage, and a stunning collection of garments and accessories, many of which have never before been shown in the UK. Celebrating his enduring influence throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the exhibition offers a dazzling journey through the world of fashion, proving that even three decades after his death, Versace’s legacy remains as powerful and inspiring as ever.
When: Until 1 March 2026
Where: Arches London Bridge (8 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 2ER)
Tickets: Tickets from £30.75 (concessions available) | archeslondonbridge.co.uk
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style at The King’s Gallery
Explore the clothing worn by Britain’s longest-reigning monarch across all ten decades of her life and discover her remarkable influence on the nation’s identity and style. Buckingham Palace presents more than 200 pieces from Queen Elizabeth II’s vibrant wardrobe, from elegant silks and signature scarves to beautifully tailored coats, striking hats and exquisite jewellery. The exhibition also highlights the Queen’s close personal involvement in the creation of her wardrobe, from her coronation gown to her wedding dress. A fascinating celebration of royal fashion and history, this is an exhibition not to be missed.
When: 10 April – 18 October 2026
Where: The King’s Gallery (Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA)
Tickets: Tickets from £22 | rct.uk
Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait at the National Portrait Gallery
Arguably one of the most timeless and recognisable women in pop culture, this exhibition marks the 100th birthday of Marilyn Monroe by exploring her extraordinary life and enduring legacy through portraits by some of the most celebrated photographers and artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Featuring works by Andy Warhol, Sam Shaw, George Barris, Cecil Beaton and Audrey Flack, it pays tribute to the world’s most photographed woman while highlighting her collaborative approach to image-making and the creative partnerships that shaped her iconic status.
When: 4 June – 6 September 2026
Where: National Portrait Gallery (St. Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE)
Tickets: Tickets TBC (members go free) | npg.org.uk
The 90s at Tate Britain
Curated by fashion powerhouse Edward Enninful, The 90s captures a transformative decade that reshaped British culture with bold optimism, unapologetic freedom and rebellious energy. This multi-faceted exhibition brings together a generation of boundary-breaking creatives, featuring era-defining photography by Juergen Teller, Nick Knight and Corinne Day, artworks by Damien Hirst, Gillian Wearing and Yinka Shonibare, and visionary fashion from Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Hussein Chalayan… and everything in between. It’s a vibrant celebration of the decade that changed the cultural landscape in the UK forever.
When: 1 October 2026 – 14 February 2027
Where: Tate Britain (Millbank, London SW1P 4RG)
Tickets: Tickets TBC (members go free) | tate.org.uk
Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop at the Fashion and Textile Museum
From Colin Firth’s iconic wet shirt in Pride and Prejudice to the refined elegance of Downton Abbey and Meryl Streep’s unforgettable safari wardrobe in Out of Africa, Cosprop’s costumes have defined cinematic realism for generations. This exhibition showcases some of the most celebrated outfits in film and television history, revealing how Cosprop revolutionised the art of costume design and craftsmanship. Marking 60 years at the forefront of the industry, the show is accompanied by a richly illustrated book that delves deeper into its remarkable legacy. Whether you’re passionate about film, fashion or both, this is one not to miss
When: Until 8 Mar 2026
Where: Fashion and Textile Museum (83 Bermondsey Street London SE1 3XF)
Tickets: Tickets from £10.50 | fashiontextilemuseum
Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s at Design Museum
This major exhibition explores how the legendary club became a melting pot where fashion, music and style collided, transforming London’s 1980s creative scene and shaping pop culture as we know it. It launched stars such as Boy George and Spandau Ballet, while redefining the boundaries of self-expression and nightlife. Forty years after its closure, visitors can step back into the club’s electrifying world
When: 20 September 2025 – 29 March 2026
Where: The Design Museum (224 – 238 Kensington High Street)
Tickets: Tickets from £14.38 (members go free) | designmuseum.org
