Schiaparelli soon at the V&A: haute couture comes to the UK
The legendary Schiaparelli atelier on show in the UK for the first time. Between avant-garde, surrealism and couture heritage, the V&A offers an unprecedented retrospective on one of France’s most daring fashion houses.
A historic premiere at the V&A
From March to November 2026, London’s Victoria & Albert Museum will present “Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art”, the first exhibition of its kind in the UK. The exhibition traces Schiaparelli’s work and asserts his role as a bridge between haute couture and art.
Cult pieces and artistic collaborations
Over 200 iconic pieces will be on show, including the famous Skeleton dress, the Tears Dress, and the shoe hat designed with Salvador Dalí. The exhibition reveals the influence of surrealists such as Picasso, Cocteau and Man Ray on Schiaparelli’s world.
A narrative of contemporary heritage
The tour also traces the rebirth of the house, from its disappearance after the Second World War to its revival in 2007, under the impetus of Diego Della Valle and successive creative directors. The work of Daniel Roseberry, head of the company since 2019, will be particularly highlighted.
A large-scale, prestigious exhibition
Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, emphasizes the exceptional scope of this collection: the loans of artistic objects have been unprecedented, reflecting Schiaparelli’s recognition by the art world. The exhibition aims to place the Parisian Italian among the most influential designers of the XXᵉ century.
Why it’s an event to watch
Schiaparelli remains a visionary figure: she invented “shocking pink”, the shoe-hat and the avant-garde wrap dress. This exhibition allows us to rediscover her impact on fashion and art, while highlighting the contemporary relevance of Daniel Roseberry’s work.
An unmissable event
“Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art” promises to be one of the key cultural events of 2026. An immersion in the extravagant world of Schiaparelli that promises to revive our perception of fashion as art. Couture aficionados and art aficionados alike already regard this event as a must-see.
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