In one of the most memorable catwalk moments from Alexander McQueen's career, two robots spray-painted a dress worn by the model Shalom Harlow.

exhibition

Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show

Opens 3 April 2026

"An immersive journey through a century of runway history" Vogue

A celebration of over 100 years of catwalk history

A UK exclusive to V&A Dundee, Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show charts the dramatic evolution of the catwalk, from the private salons of the late 19th century to today’s immersive, live-streamed runway experiences.

Celebrating the creativity and energy of the fashion show, Catwalk brings together landmark examples from renowned houses including Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, Maison Margiela, Vivienne Westwood, Mary Quant, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Charles Jeffrey, among others.

Through a rich mix of film, photography, original garments, and archival materials, the exhibition marks seminal moments from iconic runway presentations throughout the last century and explores their lasting cultural impact. Join us to discover the spectacle, innovation and artistry behind some of fashion’s most legendary moments.

Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show is a new exhibition by V&A Dundee and the Vitra Design Museum.

Image: Shalom Harlow in the final look for Alexander McQueen's No. 13 collection (Spring/Summer 1999) © Robert Fairer

Opens 3 April 2026 until 17 January 2027

V&A Dundee 1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee, DD1 4EZ

Exhibition Gallery

Tickets £7 – £16, book in advance for £2 discount. Members and kids go free!

Key Objects

Silhouetted performer on stage with robotic arms overhead, set against a vibrant green background. — Alexander McQueen, S/S 2010

A group of models on stage which is fashioned as a street, they're holding signs and protesting. — Chanel Fashion Show Spring-Summer 2015, Paris

A black and white image of a woman standing on a mirrored staircase. — Käthe von Porada, Mode in Paris, Frankfurt, 1932

A gold feather is laid on top of a box which has the text 'Schiaparelli' — Invitation to the fashion show Schiaparelli, Haute-Couture, S/S 2025

A paper invitation to a fashion show, there is an illustration of a woman and a child embracing. — Invitation to a fashion show by Jeanne Lanvin, 1918

Backstage at Alexander McQueen Autumn_Winter 2009 © Robert Fairer — Backstage at Alexander McQueen ‘The Horn of Plenty’ Autumn/Winter 2009 collection

A black and white image of a model wearing a metal dress, people are seated down the runway. — Fashion show by Paco Rabanne in his boutique in Paris, 1968

A model wearing colourful clothing walking down a runway holding a face head of themself. — Gucci, Ready-to-Wear F-W 2018/19

A black and white image of two women dressing a doll in a dress. — Jeanne Lanvin dresses a doll for the exhibition Theatre de la Mode, 1945

An illustration of woman seated and posing wearing dresses. — Fashion Show scenery from Gazette du bon ton, 1921

Latest news

A model wearing a pink dress with a love heart detail against a black background.

Lucia Fairfull named ambassador for V&A Dundee Catwalk exhibition

Pursuing a creative career that mixes music with fashion, Lucia is the frontwoman of Scottish indie rock band Lucia & The Best Boys and is also well-known for collaborating with major fashion houses including Alexander McQueen, Dior and Valentino.

Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show featured in Vogue!

"An immersive journey through a century of runway history – from intimate salon presentations to the sort of livestreamed, celebrity-packed extravaganzas we see at fashion weeks in Milan and Paris today – Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show will incorporate a new focus on the role Scotland has played."