V&A’s New DIVA Exhibit Turns Heads

“Act One” of the exhibit celebrates how the first opera divas, Adelina Patti and Jenny Lind, created and performed extraordinary roles, bringing them wealth and recognition at a time when most women could not pursue an education or career. Also, visitors will learn how actors such as Ellen Terry, Sarah Bernhardt, and Marie Lloyd drove the first wave of feminism and how the powerful women of the twentieth century built on this struggle for equality, including silent-screen stars Clara Bow and Mary Pickford and Golden Age of Hollywood stars Vivien Leigh, Mae West, and Marilyn Monroe. Key pieces from this section include: early Parisian couture worn by Adelina Patti, on display for the first time; a couture gown and other personal items from Josephine Baker’s former home in France, depicting her groundbreaking career from performer to activist; a corseted crimson dress designed by Christian Dior and worn by Vivien Leigh as Paola in Duel of Angels at the Apollo Theater (1958); and the sleek black fringed dress worn by Marilyn Monroe as the character Sugar “Kane” Kowalczyk in Some Like It Hot (1959).

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Over sixty looks will be shown, many rare or on display for the first time, also including a stage ensemble worn by Maria Callas as Norma in the Covent Garden Opera Company production of Norma (1952) and the only known surviving dress worn by Clara Bow, rarely seen outside of the US. Iconic costumes designed for the stars by Bob Mackie will be displayed, with looks worn by Tina Turner, P!nk, and Cher. Don’t miss the Louis XIV-inspired look with a towering powdered wig and train worn by Elton John for his fiftieth birthday celebration, designed by Sandy Powell. And guests will get a kick out of Janelle Monáe’s “vulva pants” designed by Duran Lantink for the music video for “Pynk” (2018). In addition to these major fashion statements will be posters, song sheets, lyrics, and personal objects owned by divas ranging from Prince to Whitney Houston and many, many more.

Dame Shirley Bassey’s couture pink gown designed by Julien MacDonald, including her iconic diamanté-studded Wellington boots, worn on stage at Glastonbury (2007), will also join the lineup. Bassey is excited to see the diva celebrated in the exhibition. “It’s wonderful to see the V&A reclaiming the title,” she says. “To me, diva is all about the power of the voice and the ability to entertain, to succeed against the odds, to fight, and to break through barrier after barrier to have your voice heard.”

“Act Two” of the exhibit celebrates the modern diva after paying homage to the performers who blazed a path in entertainment for creativity and boldness. Here, expect to see names like Billie Eilish and Rihanna alongside conversations about the cult of the celebrity and the battle between public and private life.

A delight for the senses, DIVA has embraced multimedia and storytelling through many lenses. Much like the divas it celebrates, this tribute to entertainers through the ages will leave you breathless.

Visit VAM.ac.uk to learn more or get tickets. DIVA is on display at the V&A through April 7, 2024.