V&A to showcase Taylor Swift's personal items in free Songbook Trail exhibition

Explore Taylor Swift's fashion journey from country beginnings to global pop phenomenon with 16 iconic looks at the V&A this summer.

Image still from willow music video, 2020. Courtesy of TAS Rights Management, LLC.

This summer, the V&A South Kensington will host an exclusive exhibition celebrating the career of Taylor Swift with the Taylor Swift: Songbook Trail. From July 27 - 8 September , visitors will have the opportunity to explore 16 iconic outfits worn by the 14-time Grammy Award-winning artist. Curated by Kate Bailey, Senior Curator of Theatre & Performance, the exhibition aims to showcase Swift's musical journey, from her beginnings in country music to her current status as a global pop icon.

Each stop on the trail will present a distinct era of Swift's career, featuring costumes and accessories borrowed from her personal archive. Highlights include custom cowboy boots worn during her early success and the sophisticated attire from her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department (2024). The exhibition will not only highlight Swift's fashion evolution but also explore her creative process, drawing connections between her music, lyrics, and visual storytelling.

Designed by renowned stage designer Tom Piper, the exhibition will showcase Swift's iconic outfits alongside the V&A's diverse collections. Through multimedia installations and set designs, it brings to life Swift's music videos and performances, offering a glimpse into her influence on contemporary culture.

Date: 27 July 2024 - 8 September 2024. Location: V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL. Price: Free. vam.ac.uk.