Traveling for exhibitions is one of the best ways to combine culture and adventure. After missing a major show by a day, I always check museum calendars before booking a trip. 2026 is packed with standout fashion exhibitions across Europe and the US — Paris, Milan, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Los Angeles, New York and more. Below are ten shows worth planning a journey around, with dates, locations, and what to expect.
Azzedine Alaïa’s Dior Collection
Dates: now until March 3, 2026
Address: Azzedine Alaïa Foundation, 18 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris, France
This presentation reveals Alaïa’s lifelong admiration for Dior. For the first time the Galerie Dior brings together 100 looks from Alaïa’s private archive, including pieces by Christian Dior and later designers. It’s a rare chance to see how Dior’s legacy informed Alaïa’s sculptural couture.
The Gentleman — Style and Jewellery for Men
Dates: now until September 27, 2026
Address: Palazzo Morando, Costume Moda Immagine, Via Sant’Andrea 6, 20121 Milan, Italy
Set in the heart of Milan’s fashion district and timed to Milan Men’s Fashion Week, this exhibition traces the cultural history of men’s jewelry from the 17th century to today. Expect an in-depth look at masculine adornment, symbolism, and evolving style.
Women in Print: 150 Years of Liberty Textiles
Dates: now until June 12, 2026
Address: The William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Rd, London E17 4PP, United Kingdom
Celebrating Liberty’s 150th anniversary and the gallery’s 75th, this show highlights women textile designers at Liberty, from May Morris and Arts and Crafts pioneers to contemporary creators. Garments, fabrics, and photographs demonstrate how print and pattern continue to inspire.
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art
Dates: March 28 to November 1, 2026
Address: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom
A major V&A survey of Elsa Schiaparelli’s surrealist couture alongside work from the current house under Daniel Roseberry. Garments are displayed with the artworks that inspired them. The V&A’s fashion shows are popular — book ahead.
The Antwerp Six
Dates: March 28, 2026 to January 17, 2027
Address: MoMu Amsterdam, Hobbemastraat 1, 1071 ZD Amsterdam, the Netherlands
The first large-scale exhibition dedicated to the designers who put Antwerp on the fashion map — Dirk Bikkembergs, Ann Demeulemeester, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, and Marina Yee. It traces their formative work and enduring influence.
Vivienne Westwood: Rebel — Storyteller — Visionary
Dates: March 28 to September 6, 2026
Address: The Bowes Museum, Newgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8NP, United Kingdom
An unofficial exhibition assembled with private collectors that charts Westwood’s path from punk provocateur to visionary couturier. The Bowes’ theatrical rooms suit displays that pair deconstructed digital pieces with original garments.
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style
Dates: April 10 to October 18, 2026
Address: The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
A comprehensive survey marking the centenary of the Queen’s birth, featuring garments from infancy through her wedding dress and coronation gown. Letters and archival material reveal her personal role in wardrobe decisions. One ticket allows continuous re-entry for a year.
Costume Art (The Costume Institute)
Dates: May 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027
Address: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
The Costume Institute opens the Met’s new central fashion space with an exploration of how art and dress intersect. Expect paintings and sculpture paired with 18th-century costumes and contemporary runway looks. Highlight: Renata Buzzo’s “Corset Anatomia.”
Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity
Dates: June 14 to October 25, 2026
Address: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
LACMA charts Chinese women’s dress from early 20th-century robes to the popularized cheongsam of the 1960s. Over 70 garments are shown on bespoke mannequins by Jason Wu, emphasizing silk, color, and craftsmanship.
Many Shades of Grès: Fashion Becomes Art
Dates: May 15 to October 11, 2026
Address: Kulturforum, Matthäikirchplatz, 10785 Berlin, Germany
This joint exhibition focuses on Parisian couturier Madame Grès, famed for sculptural, pleated gowns inspired by classical statuary. The show highlights her later career and resilience through wartime disruption, offering a compelling alternative cultural itinerary in Berlin.
These ten exhibitions offer a global snapshot of fashion’s histories, innovations, and artistic dialogues. Always double-check dates and opening times before traveling, and book tickets in advance — the most anticipated shows often sell out.