Our recent department trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum proved to be an unforgettable dive into the avant-garde world of Elsa Schiaparelli. As one of the most influential figures in fashion history, Schiaparelli didn’t just design clothes; she challenged the very idea of what a garment could be.

Walking through the exhibition, our students were immersed in a world where fashion meets experience, with many of her pieces feeling theatrical and dramatic. From the iconic collaborations with Salvador Dalí to the intricate “Shocking Pink” embroidery of the House of Schiaparelli, the display offered a masterclass in creating collections that capture attention and become memorable pieces.

One captivating part of the exhibition was the display of Schiaparelli’s tailored jackets. Students were able to observe the incredible precision of her “hard chic” silhouette—strong, padded shoulders and a nipped-in waist, embellished with thoughtful detailed embroidery, that gave the wearer an almost regal presence. To top it off, we were also able to see iconic pieces that have been worn by celebrities in recent years, including the fluted dress, worn by Ariana Grande.

We explored other areas of the museum, where students became fascinated with the cultural and historical pieces they saw, including samurai armoury, traditional kimonos and the Ardabil carpet, the oldest carpet in the world, dating back to 1540 as well as iconic costumes and props from films and musicals such as Wicked, Lion King, and Star Wars.

The goal of this visit was to encourage our students to look beyond the functional and see design as a form of storytelling. It was lovely to see students sketching from the displays, taking photos and discussing what they saw. I now look forward to seeing some of these moments of inspiration, feeding into their own work in Textiles!