A Landmark Moment for Fashion and Art
The V&A Museum in South Kensington is set to unveil Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art — the UK’s first exhibition dedicated entirely to the legendary fashion house. Opening on March 21, 2026, and running through November 1, the showcase will explore the surrealist legacy of Elsa Schiaparelli and the house’s lasting impact on both fashion and fine art.
Announced during a press event at Schiaparelli’s Paris HQ, CEO Delphine Bellini shared her excitement: “We are like kids at Christmas today. We’ve been holding this in for months.” The exhibition aims to spotlight the brand’s historical connection to London, where Schiaparelli recently expanded its Harrods presence, reflecting the modern vision of creative director Daniel Roseberry.
From Avant-Garde Origins to Modern Revival
Elsa Schiaparelli founded the house in 1927, gaining global recognition for her daring silhouettes, artistic collaborations, and surrealist influences. Known for innovations like the wrap dress and the early use of zippers in couture, she also famously worked with Salvador Dalí, Man Ray, and Jean Cocteau. Despite closing after WWII, the brand was revived in 2007, with several designers leading the way before Daniel Roseberry took over in 2019, ushering in a bold new era.
The V&A exhibition will feature over 200 objects, including iconic pieces like the Skeleton Dress, Tears Dress, and the shoe hat, all steeped in Schiaparelli’s surrealist roots. Visitors can also expect original artworks by Picasso, Cocteau, and Man Ray, cementing the brand’s crossover influence in the world of fine art.
A Must-See Exhibition in 2026
With strong support from collectors and museums worldwide, the V&A promises one of its most ambitious fashion exhibitions to date. “We’ve secured some of the finest loans in fine arts we’ve ever had for a fashion show,” said Daniel Slater, head of exhibitions at the V&A. The announcement comes just days after Roseberry’s Winter 2025/2026 couture show, which reflected on beauty, chaos, and cultural transformation — all themes that resonate deeply with Schiaparelli’s artistic legacy.
Whether you’re a longtime admirer or new to the world of Schiaparelli, this retrospective will be a major cultural moment in London next spring.
