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This year, I’ve reviewed many of London’s fantastic non-art exhibitions. Thematically, they’ve spanned everything from swimming to maps and even soil. You could say I’ve seen it all – I’ve gawped at vintage Speedos, inspected top secret government documents, and admired Wes Anderson’s stop-motion puppets. I’ve got lost in the aisles of the brilliant V&A East Storehouse, and been grossed out by Jordanluca’s pee-soaked jeans at the Barbican.
But one exhibition stood out to me above all in 2025. Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A was my top exhibition for this year.
Featuring 250 objects, including loans from Versailles that have never before been exhibited outside of France, Marie Antoinette Style takes visitors on a journey through the ill-fated queen’s forward-thinking wardrobe, dizzyingly elaborate jewellery, lavish interiors, huge hairstyles and enduring influence on fashion and art today.
More than just a history exhibition though, the display is a moving portrait of a young woman (she was just 14 when she became Queen of France) with unimaginable wealth and exquisite taste. It depicts Antoinette as a proto-celebrity who had her reputation destroyed by the media; I was shocked by the similarities I saw to the modern tabloids. It also explores her lasting impact on pop culture and fashion, with a section filled with fabulous costumes from Sofia Coppola’s film about the teenage queen, and glorious outfits created by Chanel, Dior, Moschino and more. I’m still dreaming about the candy-coloured collection of Manolo Blahniks created for Coppola’s flick.
It’s perfect for both fashion lovers and history buffs – you can read my full review of the exhibition here. And if you didn’t get the chance to pop down to the V&A to see the magnificent show in 2025, don’t worry, it’s running until March 22 2026.
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