Little Black Dress
26 Jun - 25 Oct 2020
Exhibition gallery 1, Level 3
Ticketed
In 1926 Coco Chanel designed a simple, short black dress described by US Vogue as “the frock that all the world will wear.” Nearly a century later, the ‘little black dress’ has become a wardrobe staple, a symbol of femininity and a byword for chic.
Little Black Dress will tell the story of an iconic garment in high fashion. It will consider the role it has played in society and look at how technology is enabling designers to challenge entrenched notions of classical dress to upgrade the little black dress for the future.
Juxtaposing classic pieces with cutting-edge examples, the exhibition will explore themes ranging from seduction and rebellion to intellectualism and witchcraft.
On display will be 60 iconic looks, including historic pieces by fashion houses such as Chanel and Dior alongside recent work by contemporary designers like Gareth Pugh, Christopher Kane, and Comme des Garçons.
More details to follow...
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Above: Dress from 'Body Meets Dress' or 'Bump' collection, of blue/black polyester and cotton, padded with tulle, designed by Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons, Spring/Summer 1997. © Rei Kawakubo / Comme des Garcons.
Getting here
Access
We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.
- There is level access to the Museum via the main doors to the Entrance Hall on Chambers Street and the Tower entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge.
- Lifts are available to all floors and accessible toilets are available on most floors, as well as a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0.
- There is an induction loop in the Auditorium.
- Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs are admitted.
Find out more about our access information.
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Jean Muir archive
