Project : The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014

Client : Victoria & Albert Museum, London

Completed : 2014

An environment that epitomises the craftsmanship of the exhibits

Urban Salon created the exhibition design for the V&A’s major temporary exhibition, The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014.

The challenge was to display more than 100 ensembles in a way that emphasised their craftsmanship and exceptional quality of the pieces on show. Our design employed a rich material palette to create very different moods for the various sections of the show. For example, a timber-lined space created an intimate environment for exploring the relationship between dressmakers and clients. Later, a factory-style setting with mirrored walls to give the illusion scale was used to complement displays on the growth of manufacturing.  

‘It really is a beautiful exhibition and gets the balance right between objects and exhibition design. The thoughtful design really reflects the content and makes the objects come alive.’

Sophie Parry, V&A Exhibitions Co-ordinator.