Dirty Looks

25 Sep 2025-25 Jan 2026

Overview

Rebel against conventional beauty and take a look at the dirty side of fashion in a bold new exhibition that questions what is beautiful, and what the future of fashion can be. 

From ruined romantic gowns to stained jeans, pre-scuffed shoes and up-cycled outfits the fashion world has never been filthier. New, luxurious objects are now being sold with a splash of mud rather than a lining of gold. 

But where did this idea of getting dirty come from? And, where is it going?

Dirty Looks takes you beyond the clothes to explore fashion as art, and how dirt and distress have been used to defy beauty standards for over fifty years. As an alternative to conventional beauty, this trend can point us to a new way of thinking for a more sustainable fashion future. 

Featuring icons like Hussein Chalayan, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and Maison Margiela, alongside emerging designers such as Elena Velez, Yuima Nakazato and IAMISIGO we can all imagine what the future of fashion can be for its makers, wearers and lovers.