There's nothing quite like getting up close and personal with some stellar craftsmanship or diving into the world of design. Whether it’s the delicate artistry behind a couture gown or the bold, boundary-pushing innovation of contemporary design, nothing compares to the experience of seeing it all up close. And when it comes to iconic exhibitions that showcase fashion, style, and creativity in their purest forms, London stands out as one of the fashion capitals of the world.
From the grandeur of historical collections to the avant-garde brilliance of modern fashion, London’s museums and galleries offer an unmatched collection of exhibitions that dive deep into the history, evolution, and future of design. This year, the city is brimming with exciting and diverse showcases that bring together craftsmanship, culture, and creativity—so whether you’re a design aficionado or just looking for a day out, there’s something that will captivate your imagination.
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If you're planning on spending a lazy afternoon wandering through one of the city’s world-class museums or galleries, you’re truly in luck. 2025 promises to be a year of vibrant, thought-provoking exhibitions that delve into everything from the timeless elegance of royal fashion to the groundbreaking art of today’s leading designers. With so much to explore, it’s safe to say you’ll be spoilt for choice—each exhibition offering its own unique look at the power of design to influence, inspire, and change the world. So, whether you’re a longtime lover of fashion or just looking to take in some eye-catching works, London is the place to be this year.
Must-see London Fashion Exhibitions to Visit in 2025:
Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style at The Design Museum
Get ready to make a splash at The Design Museum with an exhibition that explores the evolution of swimwear, from vintage 1920s lidos to the futuristic design of Zaha Hadid’s London Aquatics Centre. Over 200 objects, including Pamela Anderson’s iconic red Baywatch swimsuit and the first-ever bikini by Louis Réard, tell the story of how swimwear has changed.
Before WWI, the Edwardian era was all about excess, grandeur, and optimism. Step back into this opulent period at The King’s Gallery, where The Edwardians: Age of Elegance brings 300 pieces from the Royal Collection to life. See Fabergé treasures, a study for Edward Burne-Jones's Sleeping Beauty, and more—highlighting a time of elegance and splendour before the world changed forever.
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then the Cartier exhibition at the V&A is a love affair in the making. Curated by Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan, this retrospective offers a peek into Cartier’s dazzling legacy, with pieces like Grace Kelly’s 1956 engagement ring, Queen Elizabeth II’s 23.6-carat pink diamond brooch, and bejewelled snakes and panthers. It’s a celebration that you simply cannot miss.
From 12 April to 16 November at at the V&A SW7 2RL
The Face Magazine: Culture Shift
Our first glimpse of a 14-year-old Kate Moss? Of course it was thanks to The Face. In the exhibition Culture Shift, the National Portrait Gallery dives deep into The Face’s iconic influence on fashion and culture from 1980 to 2004. Curated by former art director Lee Swillingham and Vogue's Norbert Schoerner, this show features over 80 photographers who helped shape aesthetics of the era.
Get ready for the UK’s first-ever major exhibition dedicated to Marie Antoinette's influence on fashion, culture, and design. The Marie Antoinette Style exhibition at the V&A, launching in 2025, will explore how the Queen of France shaped over 250 years of fashion and interiors. With everything from couture gowns to stunning audiovisual installations, you’ll see why her style legacy has lasted well beyond her reign.
Dennis Morris is a legend in his own right, capturing some of the most iconic figures in music, from Bob Marley to Oasis. His Music + Life exhibition at The Photographers’ Gallery offers a raw and intimate look at his work, spanning his teenage years in 1970s Britain to the heart of rock ‘n’ roll culture. Whether you're into music, fashion, or both, this is a must-see for those who want to understand how style and music history intersect.
Dive into the photographic world of Deborah Turbeville, the American photographer and fashion editor who transformed fashion imagery into avant-garde art. This exhibit features both her fashion photos and personal work.
Take a look behind the doors of London's iconic Taboo nightclub, opened by designer and performance artist Leigh Bowery in 1985. The club's dress code was 'dress as though your life depends on it, or don’t bother’ which meant each and every attendee was dripping in eclectic style statements.
The exhibit features garments and accessories from Leigh Bowery and over thirty designers, including custom-made pieces from private collections and rare pieces from John Galliano, plus photography, film and artworks.
If you're not ready to say goodbye to Barbiemania, you'll love the Design Museum's deep dive into the history and evolution of the world’s most famous doll. Get up close and personal with 250 remarkable objects, with rare, unique and innovative dolls dating from 1959 to the present day.
Titled 'NAOMI,' this groundbreaking exhibition highlights Campbell's enduring impact on the global fashion scene. What distinguishes this exhibition is its collaborative nature, with Campbell playing an active role in its curation. Her voice and perspective will be prominently featured, offering an intimate glimpse into her extraordinary journey. The exhibition will present around 100 meticulously curated looks, including haute couture pieces and top ready-to-wear ensembles from Campbell's personal wardrobe. Additionally, the display will feature loans from prestigious designer archives and select items from the V&A collection.
From 22 June 2024 to 6 April 2025 at the V&A, SW7 2RL
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How We Chose:
The fashion exhibitions we’ve handpicked for you are not just your run-of-the-mill museum displays—they represent some of the most groundbreaking, thought-provoking, and iconic moments in fashion history. Situated in the heart of London, these exhibitions will be making waves in 2025, and we’re here for it. Each show has been selected for its cultural impact, unique perspective, and, of course, its sheer style power.
When curating this list, we wanted to focus on exhibitions that reflect a wide array of fashion’s multifaceted influence—from historical royalty and the glamour of the Edwardian era, to the revolutionary styles that redefined the fashion world in the 1990s. We also kept an eye on exhibitions that tell stories of fashion as it intersects with art, music, and identity, like Dennis Morris’s Music + Life and the Cartier retrospective, which explores the luxury and craftsmanship of jewellery in a way that only the V&A can do. These exhibitions not only highlight key moments in style, but also showcase how fashion has continuously evolved and shaped culture.
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