Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art Now Open at V&A London, Celebrating Surrealist Legacy

London’s Victoria and Albert Museum is officially honoring one of fashion’s most daring and visionary maisons. Now open, “Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art” marks the first UK exhibition entirely devoted to Schiaparelli, offering a sweeping retrospective from the 1920s to today.

The landmark exhibition traces the house’s surrealist origins under founder Elsa Schiaparelli through to its modern renaissance led by Creative Director Daniel Roseberry. With more than 400 objects on display—including over 100 garments, artworks, jewelry, and rare archival materials—the show delivers an immersive look at the maison’s enduring influence.

Structured across four thematic chapters, the exhibition opens with “Designing the Modern Wardrobe,” spotlighting Elsa Schiaparelli’s innovative approach to daywear, including the iconic 1927 trompe l’oeil bow-knot sweater. The journey continues with “Creative Constellations,” exploring her groundbreaking collaborations with surrealist pioneers like Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau.

Visitors can experience legendary designs such as the 1938 Skeleton dress, Tears dress, and the famed Lobster dress—presented alongside Dalí’s Lobster Telephone—highlighting the powerful intersection of fashion and fine art.

The “Beyond Paris” section examines Schiaparelli’s global reach, including the opening of her London salon in Mayfair in 1933 and her influence on stage and cinema. Costumes created for Mae West and tailored looks worn by Marlene Dietrich are among the highlights, alongside a rare oyster-toned wedding dress.

Closing the exhibition, “A Golden Thread” brings the narrative into the present, celebrating Daniel Roseberry’s bold reinterpretation of the house’s surrealist DNA. Standout contemporary pieces include the viral robot baby accessory carried by Maggie Maurer during the Spring/Summer 2024 couture show, Dua Lipa’s modern Skeleton dress from the 2024 Golden Globes, and Ariana Grande’s dazzling gown from the 2025 Oscars.

By blurring the boundaries between fashion and art, “Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art” offers an unprecedented look at how the maison redefined modern beauty and continues to shape contemporary couture.

The exhibition is now open at the Sainsbury Gallery inside the V&A and runs through November 8, 2026.

FASHIONADO