ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

V&A South Kensington exhibition reframes Marie Antoinette as proto-Instagram image-maker through fashion and film

exhibition · 2026-04-20

The V&A South Kensington presents "Marie Antoinette Style," highlighting the French queen's role as a trailblazer in visual communication. This exhibition features 250 items, such as her silk slippers, jewelry, and remnants of court attire, alongside modern designs from Dior, Chanel, and others. Curator Sarah Grant emphasizes that her fashion was a form of political expression. The display links her style to current cultural phenomena, including drag and pop performances, and includes references to Sofia Coppola's 2006 film "Marie Antoinette" through set images and costume designs. Additionally, it delves into her tragic end, showcasing artifacts like a locket containing her hair and her last note before her execution at age thirty-seven. The event will be available until 22 March 2026.

Key facts

  • Exhibition Marie Antoinette Style at V&A South Kensington through 22 March 2026
  • Features 250 objects including Marie Antoinette's personal slippers and jewels
  • Includes contemporary couture from Dior, Chanel, Moschino, John Galliano, Manolo Blahnik, Vivienne Westwood
  • Curated by Sarah Grant
  • Connects Marie Antoinette's fashion to contemporary drag culture and pop performance
  • Highlights Sofia Coppola's 2006 film Marie Antoinette with costumes by Manolo Blahnik
  • References Sena Jeter Naslund's 2006 novel Abundance: A Novel of Marie Antoinette
  • Marie Antoinette was executed at age thirty-seven

Entities

Artists

  • Marie Antoinette
  • Sofia Coppola
  • John Galliano
  • Manolo Blahnik
  • Vivienne Westwood
  • Chappell Roan
  • Lady Gaga
  • Sarah Grant
  • Sena Jeter Naslund
  • Roland Barthes

Institutions

  • V&A South Kensington
  • Dior
  • Chanel
  • Moschino
  • American Vogue
  • ArtReview

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Austria
  • Versailles

Sources