12 Fashion Museum Exhibits to See in 2022
L'OFFICIEL gathers a list of the must-see fashion museums and exhibits around the world in 2022.
Other than fashion weeks and red carpets, the best way to see fashion is at a museum. Art museums across the globe host fashion exhibits to give the general public an in-person look at iconic looks in fashion history. If you're wondering where to go next to see the fashion museum of your dreams, check out these 12 exhibitions that you need to visit before the end of the year.
Dior + Balenciaga: The Kings of Couture and Their Legacies
The Museum at FIT in New York City, New York unveils the first exhibit to feature designs from Christian Dior and Cristóbal Balenciaga side-by-side. Two of the most prolific French designers of the mid-20th century are tied together in a journey through their careers up to the present with a focus on their expert craftsmanship and the legacies they left behind. Opening on June 1, the exhibit will go until November 6, 2022.
Christian Siriano: People Are People
The SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta, Georgia is showing an exhibition on Christian Siriano that features more than 60 looks. Some of his most memorable red carpet moments will be on display, including Janelle Monáe's 2019 Met Gala dress and Lizzo's 2020 Grammy Awards gown. The exhibit features pieces as recent as 2022 and is on view until October 6, 2022.
Azzedine Alaïa: L’Art de la Mode
SCAD FASH's second location in Lacoste, France is also showing a fashion exhibit, this one dedicated to Azzedine Alaïa. The exhibit features 20 pieces from Alaïa's decades-long career, beginning in the '80s. Ending on October 29, this exhibit is a must-see before the end of the year.
In America: A Lexicon of Fashion and In America: An Anthology of Fashion
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute's two-part exhibit, on which the last two Met Gala's were based, is on view in New York City. The first part houses 100 ensembles from the 1940s to present day in the Anna Wintour Costume Center, while the second part features the fashions placed in period rooms throughout the museum in collaboration with American directors. Make sure you catch them both before they leave on September 5.
Fashioning America: Grit to Glamour
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is unveiling its very first fashion exhibit and it's dedicated to American fashion. Featuring everything from dresses of First Ladies to zoot suits, the museum's goal is to not only highlight the designers, but also the wearers. Check it out anytime from September 10, 2022, to January 30, 2023.
Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse
LACMA in Los Angeles, California is hosting the first Alexander McQueen exhibit on the West Coast. The museum is showing more than 70 designs of Alexander McQueen's in its exhibit that places his unique pieces with other artworks from the LACMA's permanent collection. You can see this innovative exhibition until October 9.
Chapeaux Dior!
In the Musée Christian Dior, set in his childhood home in Granville, France, a new exhibit focuses on an essential accessory of the brand: the hat. Featuring over 200 hats, some paired with couture dresses. The pieces will range from 1947 to 2020 and will include pieces that Stephen Jones created for the brand. You don't want to miss this one-of-a-kind exhibit, on view until October 30, 2022.
Shocking: The Surreal World of Elsa Schiaparelli
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, France is hosting an exhibit dedicated to Schiaparelli's past and present. Pieces designed by Elsa Schiaparelli herself will be shown alongside current creative director Daniel Roseberry's pieces. The exhibit will be on display until January 22, 2023.
Fashion Reimagined: Themes & Variations 1760 - Now
Atlanta, Georgia's Mint Museum is celebrating 50 years with an exhibit of 50 ensembles. Ranging from men's suits to wedding gowns, the museum will showcase vintage pieces as well as some from modern-day designers such as Iris van Herpen and Anna Sui. Opening on December 20, 2022, and closing on July 2, 2023, you'll have plenty of time to catch this exhibit before it closes!
Mirror Mirror - Fashion & the Psyche
The Mode Museum in Antwerp, Belgium is partnering with Museum Dr. Guislain, a museum focusing on the history of psychiatry in Ghent, for a one-of-a-kind exhibit. The two museums are teaming up to examine "the interconnections between fashion, psychology, self-image and identity." Work from designers such as Balenciaga, Commes des Garçons, and Prada will be on view starting October 8, 2022 until February 26, 2023.
A History of Fashion in 100 Objects
The latest exhibit in the Fashion Museum in Bath, England is one for the books. 100 items celebrate fashion from the 1600s all the way to the present day. Some pieces are historical while others are just iconic moments in fashion, including Yves Saint Laurent's Mondrian dress and a runway piece from Alexander McQueen.
Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear
Calling all Harry Styles fans! The Victoria & Albert Museum in London, England is partnering with Gucci to celebrate menswear in this new exhibit. You'll be able to see the Gucci dress Harry Styles wore on the cover of Vogue as well as plenty of other looks from brands reimagining menswear. This exhibit will be on view until November 6, 2022.
