ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion at Design Museum

exhibition · 2026-04-27

The Design Museum in London presents "REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion," a survey celebrating three decades of the British Fashion Council's NEWGEN program, which since 1993 has supported emerging British fashion talent. Curated by Rebecca Lawin with Sarah Mower, the exhibition features around 100 creations from rebellious designers, including Alexander McQueen's debut collection "Taxi Driver" (autumn-winter 1993), recreated for the first time using memories and footage from his friend Simon Ungless. Other highlights include Björk's swan dress by Marjan Pejoski from the 2001 Oscars, Christopher Kane's technicolor debut, Russell Sage's Union Jack Jacket, Molly Goddard's ruffle dress worn by Rihanna, and Harri's inflatable outfit for Sam Smith at the BRIT Awards. The show runs until February 11 and will tour internationally. It explores the synergy between London's art schools and club culture, featuring designers like Charles Jeffrey, Gareth Pugh, and Nasir Mazhar. The exhibition also reflects on the challenges faced by radical talents like Meadham Kirchoff, Sibling, and Christopher Kane, who have closed, underscoring the importance of programs like NEWGEN in balancing creativity and commerce.

Key facts

  • Exhibition 'REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion' at Design Museum London.
  • Celebrates 30 years of British Fashion Council's NEWGEN program founded in 1993.
  • Curated by Rebecca Lawin in collaboration with Sarah Mower.
  • Features around 100 creations from emerging British designers.
  • Includes Alexander McQueen's debut 'Taxi Driver' collection recreated for first time.
  • Björk's swan dress by Marjan Pejoski from 2001 Oscars is exhibited.
  • Show runs until February 11 and will tour internationally.
  • Highlights the role of London's art schools and club culture in fashion.

Entities

Artists

  • Alexander McQueen
  • Christopher Kane
  • Russell Sage
  • Marjan Pejoski
  • Molly Goddard
  • Harri
  • Sam Smith
  • Björk
  • Rihanna
  • Simon Ungless
  • Louise Gray
  • Paolo Carzana
  • Steven Stokey Daley
  • Harry Styles
  • Charles Jeffrey
  • Gareth Pugh
  • Nasir Mazhar
  • Grace Wales Bonner
  • Meadham Kirchoff
  • Sibling
  • Kansai Yamamoto
  • David Bowie
  • Matthew Barney
  • Alek Wek
  • Marlene Dietrich
  • Alessandro Michele
  • Nassim Nicholas Taleb
  • Lars von Trier
  • Martin Scorsese
  • Pëtr Čajkovskij

Institutions

  • Design Museum London
  • British Fashion Council
  • NEWGEN
  • Central Saint Martins
  • London Fashion Week
  • BRIT Awards
  • Oscars
  • Dior
  • Valentino

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources