Sad that London Fashion Week is over and in need of some fashion recharge during the off seasons? Just wanting to delve more into the fashion scene bursting out of London? Don’t you worry. With some of London’s best fashion museums and galleries for people of all levels of interest to enjoy, there will be a place on this list for you. In no particular order, Candice Wu explores the museums we think you should definitely visit at least once when you’re in London. 

Fashion and Textile Museum

83 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XF

If you’re looking to surround yourself with fashion goodness, check out the Fashion and Textile Museum situated in Bermondsey Village. With an ever-changing variety of textiles and contemporary fashion, the museum offers temporary exhibitions every 3 months within a year. This means there will always be something new! The current exhibition is about T-shirts in history and their social and cultural impact. Future exhibitions include acclaimed UK and Ireland designer Orla Kiely’s “A Life in Pattern.” Exhibits cost generally between £7 and £9.90. Hosting a plethora of workshops and talks on top of the exhibitions, the Fashion and Textile Museum definitely has a lot to offer.

Fashion Space Gallery

London College of Fashion, 20 John Princes Street, London W1G 0BJ

Located in the London College of Fashion, the centrally located Fashion Space Gallery is definitely a must-visit when looking for contemporary fashion inspiration. Originally, the gallery was just an exclusive showroom for LCF featuring exhibitions and works by the students and professors, but they opened their doors for public viewing in 2010, which we’re all appreciative of. What’s even better is that it’s free to visit and view all of the exhibitions! The current displayed exhibition is SUPER SHARP. It explores the connection between Italian designer brands and their presence in the underground UK grime and Jungle music scene. It’s definitely one to check out, but be quick. The exhibition will run until the 21st of April before it is replaced by another equally thought-provoking and eye-opening showcase. With works from emerging talents as well as world- renowned designers, it won’t disappoint.

The Design Museum

224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG 3

The Design Museum is another contemporary art and design filled space for creatives looking to broaden their knowledge. Holding workshops, talks, and exhibitions, the museum definitely isn’t lacking in activities. Although its main focus isn’t on fashion, but on contemporary design as a whole, they provide introductory displays and tours for curious minds wanting a taste of what the designing world is like. An upcoming fashion exhibition that might be of interest is “Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier.” Running from 10 May – 7 October 2018, the exhibition showcases the late monsieur’s pieces chronicling his life and designs from the 1980s to 2017. He’s designed for the likes of Grace Jones, Michelle Obama, Rihanna, and many more. The museum offers free admission, but temporary exhibits such as this one will cost you around £8-20 depending on the exhibit. Although a little pricier compared to the other museums on this list, there will be loads of amazing and beautiful pieces to view.

5 Other Museums to Check Out

With extensive fashion collections dating back to the early 1900s and occasional runway showings and workshops, these are some other museums that aren’t fashion-centred but definitely still worth a visit.

• Museum of London
• Victoria and Albert Museum
• Somerset House
• Barbican Centre
• Photographer’s Gallery

Besides the costs for individual exhibitions, most of these museums are free to enter, so even if you’re just looking for a place to chill and explore, they will definitely be a good place to spend your day. Hopefully, you’ll come out more enlightened and inspired after seeing all of the amazing works. If you do end up going as a result of our suggestion and enjoyed the exhibitions or museums, let us know by tagging us in your Instagram and Facebook posts or shoot us a tweet. Our social media handles are all listed on the back cover, so don’t be shy!
All images via Instagram