Must-see London fashion exhibitions to visit in 2024

There's nothing like getting up close and personal with some stellar craftsmanship or diving into the world of design. 

London is one of the fashion capitals of the world, and so, it's only right that it's also home to some incredible exhibitions.

If you're planning on spending a lazy afternoon visiting one of the city's museums and galleries, this year you'll be spoilt for choice.

How we chose:

All the fashion exhibitions we've highlighted below are situated in London and available to visit in 2024. Chic cultural influx incoming…

Hello! Fashion shares the London fashion exhibitions to have on your radar this year:

Icons of British Fashion

© Terry de Havilland

Although this one is technically outside of London, the new Icons of British Fashion exhibition at Blenheim Palace deserves a special mention because it is well worth the trip. Blenheim Palace has collaborated with some of Britain's most iconic fashion designers and brands including Vivienne Westwood, Terry de Havilland, Stella McCartney and Stephen Jones Millinery for Christian Dior.  Each room in Britain's Greatest Palace will pay homage to a British fashion icon and feature a display of renowned classic pieces, as well as never-before-seen looks.

Until 30 June 2024 at Blenheim Palace, OX20 1PS

Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto

© Getty

The first UK exhibition dedicated to the pioneering couturière opens at the V&A at the end of the summer. Featuring 180 of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel’s designs, spanning jewellery, accessories and perfume, as well as rarely-exhibited outfits, fashion fans will have a total blast.

Until 25 Februrary 2024 at the Victoria and Albert Museum, SW7 2RL

The Biba Story, 1964-1975

© Getty

"It isn't just selling dresses, it's a whole way of life," said Biba founder and fashion illustrator Barbara Hulanicki in 1970. The trailblazer couldn't have been more right, foreseeing the close interplay between fashion and lifestyle that is now ubiquitous. Featuring must-see pieces of archival clothing, photographs, film and more, this exhibition by the Fashion and Textile Museum explores how a mail-order company bloomed into one of the biggest zeigeist brands of the 1960s and 1970s, shaping shopping habits and inspiring consumers. 

From 22 March to 8 September 2024 at the Fashion and Textile Museum, SE1 3XF

DIVA

© Getty

You can always rely on the Victoria & Albert for a museum experience that will stay with you. Exploring the term 'diva', this exhibition examines how the stereotype has been subverted and challenged time and time again by iconic performers. Expect a plethora of super glam costumes including Rihanna's saintly Maison Margiela Met Gala extravaganza and, my personal favourite, music legend Sade's glitzy two-piece by Gioia Meller Marcovicz. 

Until 30 April 2024 at the Victoria and Albert Museum, SW7 2RL

The Fabric of Democracy

Curated by renowned fashion historian Amber Butchart, this exhibition is set to take a closer look at printed propaganda textiles from over the course of two centuries. Following the Industrial Revolution, printing techniques became more advanced and as a result, fabric could be decorated quicker, and with more intricate designs, than ever before. Learn how prints were used as a tool of influence across the political spectrum, ranging from French toile de Jouy to Chinese Cultural Revolution-era fabrics.

Until 3 March 2024 at the Fashion and Textile Museum, SE1 3XF

Barbie: The Exhibition 

© Getty

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 iconic doll which is scheduled to open this summer. Coinciding with the brand's 65th anniversary, this exhibition will explain the reasoning behind Ruth Handler's creation and explore the influence of Barbie on the wider cultural landscape, including fashion, architecture and furniture.  

From 5 July 2024 to 23 February 2025 at the Design Museum, W8 6AG

Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners shaped global style

Fashion City at the Museum of London Docklands unearths and celebrates the inspiring contributions made by Jewish designers to the capital's fashion scene. Discover key figures such as pioneering milliner Otto Lucas and wedding dress designer Netty Spiegel, and learn how they rose to the the top of their crafts through photographs, objects and textiles.

Until 14 April 2024 at the Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL

Why you should trust me:

Orin Carlin is Hello! Fashion’s SEO Content Writer. Promising to leave no stone unturned in the name of fashion and beauty journalism, she is the proud creator of our ‘Try The Trend’ series. With a particular interest in formula innovation, microtrends, royal and bridal beauty, perfume, rituals, treatments, fashion history and vintage icons, she can either be found interviewing major industry names (previous subjects include Georgia May Jagger, Mary Greenwell and Sam McKnight) or scouring the internet for must-have pieces. It's not just a job; it's a personal quest to unearth noteworthy pieces that resonate with style and beauty enthusiasts.

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