Housing the largest collection of the decorative arts in the world, the Victoria and Albert Museum features over 500 years of fashion and costume for you to explore. See the best work of the very greats including Cristobal Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and many more. The intimate space allows you to closely examine every detail of these beautifully constructed masterpieces.

The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York hosts exciting, special exhibitions that draw in hundreds of thousands of people from all around the world every year. Exhibitions at the Met tend to juxtapose historic designers with modern designers such as Ricardo Tisci, Raf Simons, Miuccia Prada, Alexander Mcqueen, and Martin Margiela.

The museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology houses both permanent and special exhibitions that include everything from medieval costume to vintage Chanel to Marc Jacob’s Louis Vuitton. Each exhibition is carefully planned out, allowing everyone that visits the opportunity to learn about the history and inspirations behind every design. The museum also offers classes and programs for those who want a more in-depth knowledge of fashion history.

Though relatively new, Japanese designers have become major players in the fashion world. With brands such as Comme des Garcons, A Bathing Ape, Fragment Design, Undercover, and Yohji Yamamoto spreading their reach around the world, Japanese fashion is an often overlooked part of fashion history. Explore the Kyoto Costume Institute and see vintage pieces from these designer’s first collections. Learn about their stories and what inspires them. See their garments up close and personal as you explore Asia’s best fashion museum.

Step into the world of Gucci where it all started. Upon entering the Gucci museum, visitors will see a beautiful vintage Gucci x Fiat Car, with completely decked out Gucci interior. On the second and third floor you’ll learn everything about Gucci from its' turbulent history to its' dedication to master craftsmanship. The Gucci Museum is a must-visit for your next trip to Italy.

 

Ferragamo Museum

Florence, Italy

A true pioneer in luxury footwear, Ferragamo has become synonymous with high-quality shoes.  The Ferragamo museum takes you on the incredible journey of the brands’ founder, Salvatore Ferragamo, from his early days making shoes for his sisters to dressing Marilyn Monroe and other A-list celebrities.

 

Christian Dior Museum and Garden

Granville, France

Responsible for the resurgence of high fashion after World War 2, Christian Dior has become the biggest and most sought-after name in luxury fashion. The museum is located at Villa Les Rhumbs, Dior’s childhood house. Retrace the steps of a young Christian Dior and learn about what influences made him the greatest designer of all time. The museum hosts a wide range of original Christian Dior garments including both haute couture and ready to wear.

Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent

Paris, France

Opening in Fall 2017, the Yves Saint Laurent museum in Paris will feature various “accessories, sketches, photographs, and videos” as well as real vintage YSL pieces. Enter the world of YSL  as you step into the very rooms he designed and showcased his famous collections that changed fashion forever.

ModeMuseum(MoMu)

Antwerp, Belgium 

Famous for the “Antwerp Six” (Dries van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Dirk van Saene, Walter van Beirendonck, Dirk Bikkembergs, and Marina Yee), Antwerp has quickly become a hub for the most creative designers in the world. The ModeMuseum in Antwerp combines interior design with the artistic process to take you behind the scenes of a designers’ process. Not only do they show you vintage pieces, but they show you mood boards, sketches, and other inspirations behind the pieces. Step into the minds of your favorite designers at the MoMu during your next trip to Belgium.

 

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