V&A Dundee's Catwalk Exhibition Unveils Fashion's Cultural Legacy
The V&A Dundee has launched a groundbreaking exhibition titled Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show, which opened on Friday, 3 April 2026. This immersive showcase delves into the cultural significance of fashion over 125 years, offering visitors a unique journey through the evolution of catwalk presentations. The exhibition is co-produced by V&A Dundee and the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany, where it initially ran from October 2025 to February 2026.
Exploring Dundee's Rising Appeal
Dundee, a Scottish city near Fife, is increasingly recognized as a compelling travel destination. According to a 2024 Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor report, visitor numbers have surged by 78 per cent since 2014. V&A Dundee itself has attracted over 2.5 million visitors since its opening in 2018. The recent addition of LiveHouse Dundee, an arts and entertainment venue hosting acts like Jessie Ware and Yungblud, further enhances the city's cultural allure.
Traveling to Dundee by rail provides stunning coastal views from Northumberland to Edinburgh, with a scenic crossing of the Tay Bridge upon arrival. The railway station is conveniently located across from V&A Dundee, where visitors are immediately greeted by the museum's striking three-storey waterfront building, designed by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma & Associates.
Behind the Scenes of Fashion's Evolution
Leonie Bell, director of V&A Dundee, emphasized the exhibition's focus on the creative minds behind fashion shows. "The exhibition takes us behind the scenes to meet the visionary minds, highly-skilled designers, and the many creative people who make fashion shows so mesmerising," she stated. "It also reflects on how societal values have shifted, and how media and technology continue to shape the impact of the fashion show."
The exhibition features 350 objects, including film, photography, and illustrations, tracing fashion history from Parisian salons in the 1900s to modern digital showcases influenced by events like the Covid-19 pandemic. Highlights include works from designers such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, with images by renowned photographer Robert Fairer offering backstage glimpses.
Celebrating Scotland's Fashion Heritage
Scotland's role in fashion is prominently featured, with exhibits showcasing textiles, landscapes, and creative vision. Kirsty Hassard, fashion historian and senior curator at V&A Dundee, noted, "Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show takes visitors on an immersive journey through the history of the catwalk and its changing eras." The exhibition includes runway looks from Scottish designers like Pam Hogg and Christopher Kane, as well as displays from Chanel and Dior shows held in Scotland.
Additionally, the contributions of British hairstylist Sam McKnight and makeup artist Val Garland are highlighted, underscoring the importance of hair and beauty in fashion presentations. McKnight, from Ayrshire, shared insights on his first visit to Dundee and recommended nearby attractions like the Scottish Antique & Arts Centre in Doune.
Complementary Exhibitions and Visitor Experiences
Beyond Catwalk, Dundee offers other cultural draws. The McManus art gallery hosts the free exhibition Curtain Call: Costumes from Stage and Screen, running from 7 February to 15 November, featuring costumes from designers with Dundee links, including pieces worn by Claire Foy in The Crown and Meryl Streep in Suffragette.
Visitors can enhance their experience with a Catwalk-themed afternoon tea at the museum's Tatha Bar & Kitchen. For accommodations, the Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, located a 10-minute walk from V&A Dundee, offers family-friendly four-star amenities including a pool, spa, and dining options catering to various dietary needs.
Practical Information for Visitors
The exhibition runs from 3 April 2026 to 17 January 2027. Ticket prices range from £7 to £16, with a £2 discount for advance bookings; members and children enter free. Travel by rail from London King's Cross to Dundee takes under six hours with a change at Edinburgh, with advance single tickets starting from £57.
This exhibition not only celebrates fashion's artistic legacy but also positions Dundee as a must-visit destination for design enthusiasts and travelers alike.
