Schiaparelli at the V&A: The Most Beautiful Fashion Exhibition in London Right Now

Last week, I visited the new Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition at the V&A with my auntie, while my uncle patiently waited for us in the breakfast room downstairs — probably enjoying what might genuinely be the best scones in London.

And honestly, it turned into one of my favourite cultural mornings in the city this year.

The Victoria and Albert Museum has always been one of my favourite places in London for fashion exhibitions, but this one feels different. Bigger. Bolder. More emotional somehow. From the moment you walk into the exhibition, you immediately understand why Schiaparelli continues to inspire the fashion world decades later.

The exhibition explores the surrealist universe of Elsa Schiaparelli — dramatic silhouettes, sculptural tailoring, impossible details and pieces that blur the line between haute couture and art. Every room feels cinematic. One moment you are staring at delicate embroidery and the next you are standing in front of exaggerated gold jewellery, surreal body shapes and iconic couture gowns that almost don’t feel real.

What I loved most is how modern everything still feels. Even though many of the original inspirations come from the early twentieth century, the designs look completely relevant to today’s fashion scene. You can clearly see why celebrities, stylists and editors are obsessed with Schiaparelli again.

The exhibition also perfectly captures why London remains one of the greatest cities in the world for fashion and creativity. The V&A has transformed this exhibition into a full experience rather than just a museum visit. The lighting, the styling, the atmosphere — every detail feels luxurious and immersive.

And can we also talk about the café for a moment? Because after walking through the exhibition with my auntie for hours discussing every look and every detail, ending the morning with tea and warm scones felt incredibly British in the best possible way. Meanwhile my uncle had already made himself comfortable there long before we finished.

If you are visiting London this season and love fashion, art, couture or simply beautiful experiences, this is the exhibition to book immediately. In my opinion, Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art is currently the best fashion exhibition in London.

It’s not just an exhibition — it’s a reminder that fashion can still surprise us, challenge us and feel like pure art.