Solo show
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art
28 Mar 2026 — 8 Nov 2026 at V&A South Kensington
· London
"For me, dress designing is not a profession but an art." – Elsa Schiaparelli
This exhibition explores the visionary career of Elsa Schiaparelli, the Italian fashion designer who challenged conventions and redefined the boundaries between fashion and fine art. Through her bold use of surrealist imagery, unconventional materials, and daring silhouettes, Schiaparelli created garments that transcended mere clothing to become artistic statements.
From her iconic "Lobster Dress" to her innovative use of trompe-l'oeil and three-dimensional embellishments, the exhibition showcases how Schiaparelli collaborated with artists and pushed the limits of what fashion could express. Her work influenced generations of designers and remains a testament to the power of imagination and craftsmanship in haute couture.
This exhibition explores the visionary career of Elsa Schiaparelli, the Italian fashion designer who challenged conventions and redefined the boundaries between fashion and fine art. Through her bold use of surrealist imagery, unconventional materials, and daring silhouettes, Schiaparelli created garments that transcended mere clothing to become artistic statements.
From her iconic "Lobster Dress" to her innovative use of trompe-l'oeil and three-dimensional embellishments, the exhibition showcases how Schiaparelli collaborated with artists and pushed the limits of what fashion could express. Her work influenced generations of designers and remains a testament to the power of imagination and craftsmanship in haute couture.
About the venue
V&A South Kensington
· London
The Victoria and Albert Museum in the United Kingdom is the world's largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.8 million objects.
