Unveiling Schiaparelli: When Fashion Transcends into Art at the V&A

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is proud to present Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, the first ever exhibition devoted entirely to the legendary fashion house of Elsa Schiaparelli in the UK. Opening on 21 March 2026 in the Sainsbury Gallery and running through 1 November, this landmark exhibition will celebrate the groundbreaking creativity and enduring impact of one of the 20th century’s most innovative designers.

Spanning from the 1920s through to the present day, the show traces the fascinating history of the Schiaparelli house—from Elsa Schiaparelli’s paradigm-shifting designs and bold collaborations with surrealist artists to the visionary work of current Creative Director Daniel Roseberry. With over 200 objects on display, including garments, accessories, jewellery, artworks, photographs, and archival materials, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Schiaparelli’s unique fusion of fashion and art.

Visitors will experience some of the most iconic creations in fashion history, such as the V&A’s renowned ‘Skeleton’ dress, the ‘Tears’ dress, and the unforgettable hat shaped like an upside-down shoe—each a testament to Schiaparelli’s surrealist collaborations with Salvador Dalí. The exhibition also features works by Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, and Man Ray, highlighting the designer’s close ties with leading figures in the art world.

Highlighting Schiaparelli’s influence beyond couture, the exhibition explores her impact on theatre and film, showcasing her talent for transforming everyday objects into extraordinary fashion statements. It also shines a light on the London branch of Schiaparelli and the founder’s personal involvement with this dynamic and independent outpost.

“In difficult times fashion is always outrageous.” — Elsa Schiaparelli

“Schiaparelli’s fearless imagination and radical vision redefined the boundaries between fashion and art.”

Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, said:

 "Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art will celebrate one of the most ingenious and daring designers in fashion history. The V&A holds one of the largest and most important collections of Schiaparelli garments in Britain. Her collaborations with artists and performers make her work an ideal subject for this spectacular exhibition."