The first-ever fashion exhibition is widely considered to be “Theatre de la Mode,” held in Paris in 1945-1946. Organized by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture Parisienne, this exhibition showcased miniature mannequins wearing designs from leading French couturiers. It was created to revive the French fashion industry after World War II, displaying the creativity and resilience of Parisian designers despite the post-war shortages.
However, in terms of museum exhibitions, the Museum of Costume Art in New York (which later merged with the Metropolitan Museum of Art to become The Costume Institute) hosted what is considered one of the earliest dedicated fashion exhibitions in the 1940s, focusing on historical costume and fashion.
Today, fashion exhibitions have come a long way since the first-ever show at the Museum of Costume Art back in 1944. Now, they’re more immersive, inventive, and Instagram-worthy than ever. Whether you’re looking to step into the world of a fashion icon or see couture up close, there are some must-see exhibits worth checking out this fall. So, grab your calendar and mark these down.
Christian Dior, The Designer of Dreams
Opening on Oct. 28 at Riyadh’s Al Murabaa National Museum as part of the Riyadh Season calendar, this exhibition will offer guests the opportunity to get up-close with over 500 couture creations from the archives of the late and great Christian Dior. There will also be a branded Christian Dior cafe and souvenir shop.
Miu Miu Tales and Tellers
The exhibition, conceived by Goshka Macuga and convened by Elvira Dyangani Ose, will be staged at Palais D’Iéna, in Paris, as part of Art Basel Paris’s Public Program. Open fro Oct. 16 to 20, Tales & Tellers will include projections of every collaboration and film commission from Miu Miu Women’s Tales and a selection of videos from Miu Miu’s runway shows since Spring/Summer 2022, alongside live reenactments. There will also be screenings of all commissioned short films, alongside a series of thought-provoking talks.
Balenciaga The Subtleties of Dialogue
Naomi: In Fashion
Underway until April 2025, the British supermodel’s V&A exhibition is a tribute to her spectacular decades-spanning fashion career. Curated by Campbell herself, in partnership with Sam Gainsbury and Desiree Ejoh at the Victoria & Albert Museum, the exhibition showcases significant pieces highlighting key moments in her career, featuring contributions from renowned designers, photographers, and friends.
