Must-see London fashion exhibitions to visit in 2024

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.

From 9th October 2024 to 23rd  February 2025 at The Photographers' Gallery, W1F 7LW

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. 

From 4 October 2024 to 9 March 2025 at the Fashion and Textile Museum, SE1 3XF

Explore over 300 prints from some of the world's leading photographers, telling the story of fashion, celebrity, reportage and the male body through modern and contemporary photography.

Iconic photos include Elton John photographed by David LaChapelle and works by Nan Goldin, Robert Mapplethorpe and Cindy Sherman.

From 18 May 2024 to 5 January 2025 at the V&A South Kensington, SW7 2RL.

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.

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

Swifties, rejoice. This Taylor Swift exhibition, which takes viewers on a journey through some of her most iconic outfits of all time, has become a permanent fixture at the V&A. To celebrate the success of Taylor's UK and Ireland tour, and the creativity of her 'tour'drobe, the retrospective will feature 13 stages, each of which represents a different era in her career including costumes, instruments, music awards and more. "Costume and accessories on loan from Taylor’s personal archive will be on display," explains the V&A, "from customised cowboy boots worn during her breakout success as a country singer in 2007, to the jet-black ruffled shoulder dress worn in the most recent music video for her single Fortnight (2024)." 

Opens Saturday, 27 July 2024,  at the V&A SW7 2RL

Back in the Dazed is Rankin's latest exhibition spotlighting his legendary photography and one unforgettable decade. From cult celebrities and musical icons to top supermodels, Rankin captured the essence of 'Cool Britannia' and 90s style, a vibe that’s still hot today. As Dazed & Confused's co-founder and first Photographic Editor, his striking visuals shaped youth culture across generations. This UK retrospective showcases Rankin's groundbreaking work, inviting you to relive the culture and creativity that defined an era. Step into Rankin's world and experience the enduring coolness of the 90s.

From May 28 2024 - June 23 2024 at 180 Studios, WC2R 1EA

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

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

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 February 2024 at the Victoria and Albert Museum, SW7 2RL

"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 zeitgeist 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