Must-see fashion exhibitions in 2018

2017 was a good year for fashion exhibitions and retrospectives, with shows such as "Christian Dior, Designer of Dreams", "Fortuny, a Spaniard in Venice", and "Balenciaga, Working in Black". Not to be outdone, 2018 is shaping up to be another busy twelve months for fashion fans, with a slew of major exhibitions, including a number devoted to legendary designers such as Margiela and Alaïa. These are events you won't want to miss.

"Beyond Seeing" at the WIP La Villette in Paris
The Goethe-Institut Paris, in partnership with a selection of German, French, Belgian and Swedish fashion and art schools, is set to launch "Beyond Seeing", an interactive and experimental exhibition in January at the WIP La Villette in Paris. This multisensory exhibition, based on the sense of touch, smell and hearing, aims "to make fashion discernible beyond visual stimuli" through fashion pieces, workshops, performances and other artistic experiences. The show will open in Paris, then travel to other countries. 

> Beyond Seeing: January 18-28, 2018.

"Margiela/Galliera 1989-2009" at the Palais Galliera in Paris
Beginning in March 3, the Parisian fashion museum Palais Galliera will host the first ever Martin Margiela retrospective in the French capital. The exhibition will trace the Belgian designer's career, from Spring/Summer 1989 to Spring/Summer 2009, through over 100 creations, as well as videos of catwalk shows and special installations.

> Margiela/Galliera: March 3-July 15, 2018.

"Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" at the Met in New York
In May 2018, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's exhibition "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" will highlight the impact of religion, and particularly Catholic traditions, on fashion houses and designers. In addition to pieces from modern-day houses such as Dolce & Gabbana, the exhibition will display papal robes and accessories from the Vatican's archives.

> Celestial Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination: May 10-October 8, 2018.

"Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier" at London's Design Museum
London's Design Museum will stage an Azzedine Alaïa retrospective from May to October, looking back at the career of the Tunisian designer who died on November 18, 2017. The exhibit will showcase many of his timeless couture pieces for women.

> Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier: May 10-October 7, 2018.