Acquired at specialized auctions, these outfits offer a closer look at influential figures, show business stars, and screen and stage legends—from Elizabeth Taylor to Nicole Kidman, from Cher to Madonna, and from Margaret Thatcher to Kim Kardashian. Many of the outfits were created by famous fashion houses or designed by renowned costume artists—they also tell the story of the fashion trends of their time.

Over the past 10 years, the Fashion Museum has not only presented 16 exhibitions dedicated to fashion and its history, but has also diligently built and expanded its collection. A small part of it will be on display in the new exhibition, an idea that came to museum’s Director Natalia Muzychkina several years ago: “We wanted to create a special exhibition for the 10th anniversary. And what could be more appealing than chic outfits that once belonged to celebrities? We are delighted to share the beauty that has been quietly awaiting its moment in the spotlight in our collection’s storage.”

The exhibition features outfits worn by singers, actresses, and other influential figures, as well as costumes from films and TV series. Fans of the ‘Downton Abbey’ series are sure to be particularly delighted, as the exhibition features the costume of the screen heroine Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, worn by the outstanding British actress Maggie Smith. Music lovers, meanwhile, will surely be delighted by the outfit of musician, actress, and style icon Marianne Faithfull. Fashion connoisseurs will appreciate the outfit designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, which once belonged to Lady Romilly McAlpine, the most extravagant fashionista of British high society, as well as the bright red, stunningly elegant Thierry Mugler vintage suit, which Kim Kardashian wore in a photo and video shoot directed by Mugler himself for the ‘7 Hollywood’ magazine. Meanwhile, a beautiful silk taffeta dress with flowers was once part of Madonna’s film costume wardrobe while filming the movie “Evita.”

The exhibition is also special in that it gives equal prominence to both the costumes on display in the showcases and the life stories of the people who once wore them. Through these garments, we can get a little closer to the people we have seen on screens, on television, in newspapers, and in books.

The exhibition ‘Celebrities’ Outfits’ features items from the Fashion Museum’s collection, spanning the period from the late 19th century to the present day. As in other exhibitions, visitors have the opportunity to try on replica outfits—extravagant garments worthy of a celebrity photo shoot.