Scotland’s V&A Dundee has announced two major exhibitions for 2026 that spotlight the world of fashion shows and designs led by disabled creators. Set to open in April and June, these shows aim to explore cultural evolution and inclusive innovation, drawing visitors to the museum in Dundee.
The announcement came on September 2, 2025, highlighting the museum’s push to blend history with modern themes. Curators say the exhibits will showcase how fashion and design shape society, from runway spectacles to everyday solutions for diverse needs.
Exhibition Highlights and Dates
The first exhibition, Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show, runs from April 3, 2026, to January 17, 2027. It marks the UK debut of this showcase, tracing the history of fashion presentations from private 19th-century salons to today’s global events.
Visitors can expect displays of iconic pieces from top designers. The show combines clothing, set designs, lighting, and photography to illustrate how these elements create cultural moments.
A second exhibition, Design and Disability, opens in June 2026. It celebrates designs created by and for disabled people, focusing on innovation and cultural contributions.
This exhibit features objects from the 1940s to now, including adaptive clothing and tools that promote accessibility. It aims to highlight underrepresented voices in design history.
Evolution of Fashion Shows Explored
Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show dives into how runway events have changed over time. Early fashion shows were intimate affairs in salons, where models paraded outfits for elite clients.
By the 20th century, they grew into public spectacles, influenced by figures like Paul Poiret, who hosted garden parades. The exhibit includes memorable moments, such as Alexander McQueen’s spring 1999 robot-spray show, which blended technology and drama.
Modern examples from brands like Balenciaga and Chanel show how social media amplifies these events. Curators note that fashion shows now reflect broader trends in music, art, and technology.
The display brings together over 100 items, including garments from Dior, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. It explains why these shows matter beyond clothes, as platforms for cultural expression.
Experts point out that recent years have seen more diverse runways, with models of various abilities and backgrounds. This ties into global movements for inclusion in fashion.
Focus on Disabled-Led Design Innovations
Design and Disability puts the spotlight on creators who are Disabled, Deaf, or neurodivergent. It showcases how their work challenges norms and drives progress.
One key area is adaptive fashion, like clothing with easy-access features for wheelchair users. The exhibit includes examples from designers such as Victoria Jenkins, who presented inclusive lines at London Fashion Week in 2023.
It also covers mobility aids that blend style and function, such as colorful crutches. These items prove that design can be both practical and beautiful.
The show draws from history, featuring prosthetics and tools from past decades. Curators aim to spark conversations about equality and visibility in design fields.
Recent events, like the 2025 Great British Sewing Bee episode on adaptive clothing, show growing public interest. This exhibit builds on that momentum, encouraging more inclusive practices.
Here are some standout innovations featured:
- Stylish hearing aids that double as jewelry.
- Clothing with magnetic closures for easy dressing.
- Custom wheelchairs designed with user input for better comfort.
Cultural and Social Impact
These exhibitions come at a time when fashion and design industries face calls for more diversity. V&A Dundee’s location in Scotland adds a unique angle, linking global trends to local culture.
The museum has a track record of successful shows, like the 2023 Tartan exhibit that drew over 100,000 visitors. Experts predict these 2026 events could boost tourism and spark debates on inclusion.
Fashion shows have influenced pop culture, from viral moments shared on social media to inspirations in films and music. The Catwalk exhibit will explore this ripple effect.
For Design and Disability, the focus is on empowerment. It addresses how disabled designers have long innovated, yet often without recognition.
This ties into broader 2025 trends, such as increased funding for accessible tech in Europe. The exhibits could inspire new policies and collaborations.
What Visitors Can Expect
Planning a visit? Tickets go on sale in early 2026, with options for guided tours and workshops. The museum offers step-free access and audio guides for better inclusion.
Exhibits will include interactive elements, like virtual runway experiences. Families can enjoy related events, tying into Scotland’s design heritage.
To help plan your trip, here’s a quick overview of key details:
| Exhibition | Start Date | End Date | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show | April 3, 2026 | January 17, 2027 | Runway evolution, iconic designs |
| Design and Disability | June 2026 | TBD | Inclusive innovations, disabled creators |
These shows promise to educate and inspire, blending history with forward-thinking ideas.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As V&A Dundee prepares for these exhibits, they signal a shift toward more inclusive storytelling in museums. Fashion and design enthusiasts have much to look forward to.
The announcements align with global events, like Paris Fashion Week’s push for diversity in 2025. This could set a new standard for cultural institutions.
Share your thoughts on these upcoming shows in the comments below, and spread the word to friends who love fashion and design.
