Fashion Renaissance 2025: A Year of Change and Excitement

2025 has emerged as a landmark year in the world of fashion, marked by unprecedented shifts in creative leadership and an influx of new design talent. As we transition into S/S 2026, the fashion landscape has been reshaped as 15 fresh visions debuted at iconic brands such as Chanel, Loewe, and Dior. This year is not merely about the clothes that grace the catwalks; it’s also a time rich with fashion exhibitions that seem to herald a renaissance. Enthusiasts have been spoiled for choice, especially during the typically quiet summer months, which featured no less than 11 notable exhibitions (as highlighted here).

A Year of Reflection and Exploration

The fashion exhibitions of 2025 have acted as vital elixirs in a year filled with excitement and unpredictability. While the industry buzzes with new initiatives and trends, an undercurrent of uncertainty lingers, reminding one of the fleeting nature of creativity and popularity. Visiting these exhibitions has become a welcome sanctuary—a chance to pause, assess the current state of fashion, and pay homage to its rich history while reflecting on the legacies of those who have left us.

As we set our sights on 2026, this sentiment will continue to resonate. Upcoming exhibitions will celebrate both legendary couturiers and avant-garde newcomers, significant anniversaries, and iconic trends across multiple decades. Many of these exhibitions will delve into the intersection between fashion and art, showcasing how these two creative realms inform and enrich one another. Here are ten highly anticipated exhibitions that you won’t want to miss in 2026.

Unmissable Fashion Exhibitions in 2026

‘The 90s’ at Tate Britain

Curated by the celebrated former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, this exhibition will explore the 1990s as a vibrant time of optimism, freedom, and rebellion, spotlighting the creative talents that flourished during this transformative decade. Fashion from the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen will be showcased alongside iconic photography by Corinne Day and David Sims.

When: 1 October 2026 – 14 February 2027
More Info: tate.org.uk

‘The Antwerp Six’ at MoMu – Fashion Museum Antwerp

An eagerly anticipated exhibition, this show marks 40 years since the groundbreaking Belgian designers collectively known as ‘The Antwerp Six’ showcased their collections in London. Featuring Dirk Bikkembergs, Ann Demeulemeester, and Dries Van Noten among others, this showcase will revisit a pivotal moment in fashion history that amplified Antwerp’s global presence.

When: 28 March 2026 – 17 January 2027
More Info: momu.be

‘Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art’ at the V&A South Kensington

Under its new artistic director Daniel Roseberry, the exhibition will chart the legacy of Elsa Schiaparelli, arguing that in challenging times, fashion often becomes a vehicle for daring expressions. Works from her early days as a surrealist to the modern-day resurrection of her house will be on view.

When: From 28 March 2026
More Info: vam.ac.uk

‘Nigo: From Japan with Love’ at the Design Museum, London

This retrospective is the first to be held outside Japan focusing on Nigo, the founder of A Bathing Ape and current artistic director of Kenzo. His impact on contemporary fashion is profound, and visitors will enjoy a plethora of personal artifacts and inspirations that shaped his career.

When: 1 May – 4 October 2026
More Info: designmuseum.org

‘Tim Walker’s Fairyland: Love and Legends’ at the National Portrait Gallery, London

This exhibition offers a peek into the whimsical world of Tim Walker, who captures the essence of British queer culture through his enchanting photography. The exhibit presents work featuring numerous trailblazers from the community, created across the past five years.

When: 8 October 2026 – 31 January 2027
More Info: npg.org.uk

‘Color Power: Rafael Pavarotti’ at Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris

Brazilian photographer Rafael Pavarotti stitches the lines between fashion and storytelling, with over 200 immersive prints set to dazzle. His work channels the vibrancy of his Amazonian upbringing and has solidified his position as a sought-after artist in the fashion realm.

When: 23 September 2026 – 7 February 2027
More Info: madparis.fr

‘Costume Art’ at the Met Costume Institute, New York

Held in the newly opened galleries of the Met, this exhibition will probe the innate connections between clothing and the human body. Expect thoughtful pairings of garments from the Costume Institute with artworks from the broader collections, segmented into thematic body types.

When: 10 May 2026 – 10 January 2027
More Info: metmuseum.org

‘Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary’ at the Bowes Museum

This comprehensive exhibition will delve into private collections and the museum’s archives to examine the influential legacy of Vivienne Westwood, following her remarkable journey from the 1980s to the 2000s in the fashion industry.

When: 28 March – 6 September 2026
More Info: thebowesmuseum.org.uk

‘Many Shades of Grès’ at the Museum of Decorative Arts, Berlin

An extensive showcase of Madame Grès’ work will allow visitors to witness the exquisite draping and construction that propelled her to the forefront of French fashion between the 1960s and the 1980s, making this a must-see exhibit.

When: 5 May – 22 November 2026
More Info: smb.museum

‘Art X Fashion’ at the FIT Museum, New York

This exhibition tackles the question, “Is fashion art?” through a myriad of historical and contemporary pieces that reveal the intricate interplay between these two creative forms, featuring notable designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli and Rei Kawakubo.

When: 18 February – 19 April 2026
More Info: fitnyc.edu

As we await 2026, this vibrant tapestry of fashion exhibitions promises to offer not just a reflection of the past but also a robust exploration of the many pathways fashion and art will carve as they continually evolve. Whether you’re a seasoned fashionista or a curious newcomer, these exhibitions provide an enriching opportunity to engage with the ever-changing world of fashion.