10 Exciting Fashion Exhibitions Coming To London In 2026 & 2027
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18 hours ago
From the V&A's major Schiaparelli showcase to a royal wardrobe retrospective, these are the fashion exhibitions taking over London this year
Looking to get your culture fix in the capital? Give gallery hopping a stylish twist with a trip to one of these upcoming fashion exhibitions, set to take over London in 2026.
2026 Fashion Exhibitions To Book In London
Tartan Reimagined: The Barbour Way
Tartan Reimagined: The Barbour Way
Barbour kicks off London Fashion Week with a special exhibition dedicated to the brand’s long-standing love affair with tartan. Tracing the Barbour family’s 130-year history up to its rich Scottish roots, the show explores how the brand continues to reframe heritage and tradition for modern audiences – as well as the enduring appeal of tartan.
When: 18 & 19 September 2026
Where: Saatchi Gallery (Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, London SW3 4RY)
Tickets: Tickets are free (suggested donation £2) | saatchigallery.com
Fleurs de Villes DIANA
Fleurs de Villes DIANA at Somerset House
This isn’t your typical fashion exhibition – but for fans of the royal family, this is a must-visit. Fleurs de Villes DIANA is the first ever celebration of the life and legacy of the late Princess of Wales through a huge floral installation. Created by leading British floral artists, the exhibition recreates 15 of the royal’s most recognisable fashion moments using thousands of fresh flowers. Each look tells a distinct story from Diana’s public life, celebrating how the royal used fashion to connect with people, champion important causes and inspire compassion on a global scale. A portion of proceeds from each ticket sold will support The Diana Award, an international award that honours young people who work to improve the lives of others.
When: 16 September – 6 October 2026
Where: Somerset House, East Wing Galleries (Strand, London WC2R 1LA)
Tickets: Adult tickets from £34.25 | somersethouse.org.uk
Photo by the Victoria & Albert Museum
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at the V&A South Kensington
‘In difficult times fashion is always outrageous,’ said fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. And if ever a time was difficult, it would be now. Thankfully, outrageous design comes in spades at the V&A’s upcoming exhibition, Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art. Set to open in spring 2026, this will mark the first exhibition ever staged in the UK devoted to the luxury label – as well as the first dedicated to the Italian designer behind it all. You can find out more about what to expect here, and read all about the curators’ highlights here.
When: 28 March – 1 November 2026
Where: V&A South Kensington (Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL)
Tickets: Weekday tickets from £28 and weekend tickets from £30 (members go free) | vam.ac.uk
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II dressed for Princess Margaret’s wedding in 1960, by Sir Cecil Beaton (c) Cecil Beaton / Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style at The King’s Gallery
Britain’s longest-reigning monarch was always something of a trendsetter – in every decade of her life – but soon we’ll be able to see just how big her sartorial impact was on the nation. The largest ever exhibition dedicated to the monarch’s style is coming to Buckingham Palace this spring, showcases her vibrant wardrobe of colourful suits, silk headscarves and tartan coats – as well as that iconic black handbag. You can find out more about what to expect here, and read all about the curator’s highlights here.
When: 10 April 2026 – 18 April 2027
Where: The King’s Gallery (Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA)
Tickets: Tickets from £22 | rct.uk
NIGO: From Japan with Love exhibition view (photo by Luke Hayes)
NIGO: From Japan with Love at the Design Museum
Those who know streetwear, know NIGO. The Japanese creative is one of the most influential voices in modern streetwear, setting the bar for many of the 21st century’s biggest trends. And in 2026, the Design Museum will host his first ever museum retrospective and exhibition outside of Japan. NIGO: From Japan with Love will chart the designer’s career from the 1990s in Harajuku, and the founding of streetwear brand A Bathing Ape, to his current role as Artistic Director at KENZO.
When: 1 May – 4 October 2026
Where: The Design Museum (224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG)
Tickets: Tickets from £19 (members go free) | designmuseum.org
The Burberry Trench: Crafting An Icon at The V&A South Kensington
Can’t wait until The Burberry Gallery opens at the V&A? Get a taste of what’s in store at the museum’s upcoming free display The Burberry Trench: Crafting An Icon – which will offer a snapshot of the history of the great British brand, told through its signature trench coat. And while not a full exhibition, it’s already flagged as one of the V&A’s must-see attractions this year, with a myriad of items from the V&A collection and the Burberry Archive set to go on display. Think clothing (including a fair few trench coats), accessories, sketches and more.
When: 21 September 2026 – 3 January 2027
Where: V&A South Kensington (Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL)
Book It: Free entry | vam.ac.uk
Young Pink Kate by Juergen Teller, London 1998 © Juergen Teller
The 90s: Art and Fashion at Tate Britain
What do you remember about the 1990s? Was it the art? The music? Or maybe the fashion? If you ask Edward Enninful OBE, curator of Tate Britain’s upcoming exhibition The 90s: Art and Fashion, then it has to be the decade’s bold creativity and rebellious spirit. Looking at the era through a British lens, Enninful explores how a new optimistic chapter in the UK gave space to a new generation of diverse creative talent. Expect era-defining photographs by the likes of Juergen Teller, Nick Knight and Corrine Day, artworks by Damien Hirst, Gillian Wearing, and Yinka Shonibare, and fashion pieces by Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Hussein Chalayan.
When: 1 October 2026 – 14 February 2027
Where: Tate Britain (Millbank, London SW1P 4RG)
Tickets: Tickets from £22 (members go free) | tate.org.uk
Freddie Mercury, Magic Tour 1986. Photograph by Denis O’Regan
Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things at The V&A South Kensington
Queen frontman Freddie Mercury will be the subject of a new trail winding through V&A South Kensington. Featuring eight looks worn by the performer, the free trail will spotlight some the most iconic moments from his career – while celebrating his flair for flamboyance, creativity and ‘splendid things’. The trail has been curated in collaboration with Mary Austin, Mercury’s former fiance and close friend, who has also lent seven of the looks set to go on show.
When: 24 October 2026 – 17 January 2027
Where:V&A South Kensington (Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL)
Tickets: Free trail | vam.ac.uk
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Kitakyushu – Coming-of-Age Fashion at Japan House
Have you heard of Japan’s coming-of-age ceremony? The national holiday, which commemorates the traversal from child to adult (and encourages young people to seek their own independence), is often accompanied by grand displays of dressing up. And, while celebrated all across the country, one area has become especially well-known for its take on the celebrations: Kitakyushu. Located on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, the industrial city goes all out in showcasing an artful blend of history, tradition, creativity and counterculture. Curated by fashion stylist Yamaguchi Souta in collaboration with the people of Kitakyushu, Kitakyushu – Coming-of-Age Fashion will be Japan House’s final exhibition of 2026 – and quite possibly its biggest of the year.
When: November 2026 – April 2027
Where: Japan House (101-111 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA)
Tickets: Tickets TBC | japanhouselondon.uk
Promotional poster for Sex Pistols’ single God Save The Queen, 1977. (Jamie Reid/Sex Pistols Residuals/Universal Music Group)
Punk To Pop at The V&A South Kensington
Music has always been a huge source of inspiration for exhibitions at the V&A – and its latest show proves it. Punk to Pop will zoom in on the period from 1972 to 1985, exploring the creative explosion across music, art and fashion that shaped the period. And while music will of course sit centre stage, there will be plenty of fashion on offer too. The 1970s and 1980s had some of the most distinctive sartorial codes of the last century – primarily fuelled by the creatives that pushed the boundaries of art and self-expression. From the studded leather jackets and chunky black boots of the punk era to the neon-drenched spandex of 80s pop, these two eras evolved and clashed in one of the most memorable ways in fashion history. See our guide here for what to expect.
When: 13 March 2027 – 2 January 2028
Where: V&A South Kensington (Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL)
Book It: Tickets TBC (members go free) | vam.ac.uk
