Private Guided Tour of Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at the V&A Museum
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art is the UK’s first major exhibition devoted to Elsa Schiaparelli, one of the most radical and imaginative figures in the history of haute couture. Presented at the Victoria and Albert Museum, the exhibition explores how Schiaparelli transformed fashion into a form of artistic expression — playful, provocative, and intellectually bold.
Spanning from the Surrealist beginnings of the house in the 1920s to its contemporary revival under creative director Daniel Roseberry, this landmark show reveals how Schiaparelli has continuously challenged conventions and blurred the boundaries between fashion, art, and imagination.
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art Exhibition 2026 in London Details
When: 25 March 2026 – 1 November 2026
Where: V&A South Kensington, London (Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom)
What: The UK’s first major exhibition dedicated to Elsa Schiaparelli arrives at Victoria and Albert Museum with a bold declaration: fashion is not merely worn — it is imagined, provoked, and lived as art.
Why You Should Visit:
Enter a world where couture speaks the language of art. Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art invites visitors to discover a fashion house that has never followed the rules — instead rewriting them entirely.
Elsa Schiaparelli’s collaborations with Surrealist artists, her bold symbolism, and her fearless use of humor and illusion reshaped 20th-century fashion. From the invention of “shocking pink” to garments that resemble sculpture, anatomy, and fantasy, her work redefined what clothing could express.
This exhibition is essential for fashion lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the creative dialogue between couture and contemporary culture. It offers rare insight into how a fashion house built on imagination continues to influence designers, artists, and collectors today.
What You’ll See
- Over 200 objects, including couture garments, accessories, jewelry, perfumes, photography, and rare archival materials
- Iconic Surrealist designs from the early decades of the house
- Sculptural and symbol-rich couture by Daniel Roseberry, shown in dialogue with historic pieces
- Artworks, furniture, and objects revealing Schiaparelli’s enduring relationship with fine art
- A visual narrative tracing how fashion becomes a medium for artistic expression
Why Go with Carsons Travel Concierge?
Carsons Travel Concierge elevates your visit with:
- Private Guided Tour of Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art led by an expert in fashion history and design
- Assistance with sold-out tickets of the Schiaparelli Exhibition, included as part of a private guided experience.
- Skip-the-line access and a warm welcome, bypassing the crowds
- Luxury add-ons: pair the exhibition with a bespoke London itinerary, including private fashion tours, haute couture shopping, Michelin-starred dining, and stays at London’s most refined hotels
This is more than an exhibition visit — it is a curated immersion into one of fashion’s most imaginative worlds.
FAQ – Plan Your Visit
Are V&A exhibitions free?
General entry to the V&A South Kensington is free, but temporary exhibitions such as Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art require a ticket.
Can you just walk into the V&A?
Yes, entry to the V&A’s permanent collection is free and you may walk in without a ticket. However, major exhibitions like Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art require advance booking due to high demand. For a seamless experience, Carsons Travel Concierge can arrange a private guided tour with priority access.
What is the V&A exhibition in 2026?
In 2026, Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art will be one of the V&A’s most significant fashion exhibitions, marking the first major UK showcase dedicated to Elsa Schiaparelli.
Is there a dress code for the V&A?
No formal dress code—though many guests enjoy dressing smartly for a cultural day out.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally permitted in most areas of the V&A, but restrictions may apply to certain objects or loaned works. Always check signage in the galleries.
A Fashion and Elegance Journey Beyond the Exhibition
Enhance your London stay with privately curated experiences designed around style, art, and elegance:
- Private Fashion Tours for additional inspiration.
- Haute Couture Shopping: Let our stylists take you on a bespoke shopping tour of London’s most prestigious boutiques.
- Fine Dining: Reserve a table at Michelin-starred restaurants, where culinary artistry meets luxury.
Let us curate your Schiaparelli discovery in London.
Book your private tour of Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art Exhibition at the V&A in London today and experience fashion as art — guided, elevated, and unforgettable.
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