London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has unveiled “Marie Antoinette Style,” a major autumn exhibition that delves into the profound and enduring influence of France’s last queen on fashion, design, and culture. Opening its doors on September 20, 2025, and running until March 22, 2026, this landmark exhibition is the first of its kind in the UK dedicated to the life and legacy of Marie Antoinette.
Sponsored by the luxury footwear brand Manolo Blahnik, a long-time admirer of the queen whose shoes were famously featured in Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film “Marie Antoinette,” the exhibition promises a comprehensive exploration of her impact. Visitors can explore over 250 rare objects, many on loan from the Château de Versailles and rarely seen outside France, offering an intimate glimpse into the queen’s world.
A Legacy of Style and Controversy
The exhibition meticulously traces the evolution of Marie Antoinette’s image, from her early days at Versailles to her tragic end. It aims to move beyond the popular image of extravagance and “cake-eating” to present a more nuanced perspective, highlighting her role as a significant cultural and fashion icon. The displays include intricately embroidered court dresses, personal items from her youth, her famed silk shoes, and exquisite jewels from her private collection. A particularly poignant display features her final handwritten letter before her execution.
One of the exhibition’s highlights is a recreation of the infamous “Diamond Necklace Affair,” presented alongside the original Sutherland necklace from the V&A’s collection, allowing visitors to contrast myth with historical reality. The exhibition also engages the senses with an olfactory installation, featuring recreated scents of 18th-century France, from the beeswax and smoke of a ball to the floral notes of her signature perfume and the less pleasant aromas of her prison cell.
Enduring Influence on Modern Design
“Marie Antoinette Style” extends beyond historical artifacts to showcase the queen’s lasting impact on contemporary fashion and culture. The final section of the exhibition, “Marie Antoinette Re-Styled,” features modern couture pieces by designers such as Dior, Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Moschino, and Valentino. These contemporary designs, along with costumes from Sofia Coppola’s film “Marie Antoinette,” demonstrate how the queen’s aesthetic continues to inspire leading creatives today. The exhibition underscores her status as one of history’s first modern fashion icons, whose influence shaped the aesthetics of her time and continues to resonate in contemporary creative practices.
The exhibition’s sponsor, Manolo Blahnik, has a longstanding affinity for Marie Antoinette’s style, having previously designed shoes for Coppola’s film and drawing inspiration from her for numerous collections. His partnership with the V&A underscores the brand’s commitment to celebrating fashion history and its connection to cultural narratives.
Experiencing the Exhibition in London
The “Marie Antoinette Style” exhibition is a significant event in London’s cultural calendar, drawing visitors seeking to enjoy a deep dive into the world of the influential queen. The V&A has structured the exhibition across four thematic galleries: “The Origins of a Style (1770–1793),” “The Birth of a Style Cult,” “Enchantment and Illusion,” and “Marie Antoinette Re-Styled”. This chronological and thematic approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of her life, style, and legacy.
This exhibition is not just a display of historical objects; it is an immersive journey that challenges myths, celebrates creativity, and explores the complex, often misunderstood figure of Marie Antoinette. Her story, a rare combination of glamour, spectacle, and tragedy, remains as captivating today as it was in the 18th century, making this exhibition a must-see for fashion and history enthusiasts alike. The news of this exhibition highlights the continuing fascination with her persona, proving that Marie Antoinette’s influence remains remarkably trending and relevant.
Tickets for “Marie Antoinette Style” are available online, with weekday tickets priced at £23 and weekend tickets at £25. The exhibition is expected to be a major draw, offering a chance to explore the opulent world and lasting impact of one of history’s most iconic and debated figures. The V&A continues to champion design and creativity, inspiring makers and innovators through its ambitious programmes.
