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Dirty Looks

Desire and Decay in Fashion

— ,Art Gallery
A model stands in front of a blue door and red wall, wearing earth toned distressed clothing

Paolo Carzana, Autumn/Winter 2025, Dragons Unwinged at the Butchers Block. Photograph by Joseph Rigby. Courtesy of Paolo Carzana.

Rebel against conventional beauty and take a look at the dirty side of fashion. 

From ruined romantic evening gowns to faux-stained jeans, mud-splashed dresses and upcycled outfits, the fashion world has never been dirtier.

But where did this idea of getting dirty come from? Where is it going? And, what does it say about fashion's relationship to the earth and to our bodies?

Dirty Looks explores how dirt and decay have been used to defy beauty standards, and why it's going through a resurgence in young designers' work. As a counterpoint to glossy digital perfection, these artistic practices point us to a new way of thinking about a sustainable fashion future. 

Featuring icons like Hussein Chalayan, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Miguel Adrover and Maison Margiela, alongside emerging designers such as Elena Velez, Yuima Nakazato and IAMISIGO, this exhibition explores fashion's past, present and possible future. 

Tagged with: Art & design Autumn 2025

Opening hours

Mon Closed

Tue-Wed 10am - 6pm (last entry 5pm)

Thu-Fri:10am - 8pm (last entry 7pm)

Sat-Sun 10am - 6pm (last entry 5pm)

Bank Holidays 12 - 6pm (last entry 5pm)

Ticket prices

Standard
£20 *
* Excludes £1.50 booking fee

Booking fees

£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.

No fee when tickets are booked in person.

Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.

  • ‘Is mud my middle name? Why is sophistication a dirty word? Do I love mud?‘
    Vivienne Westwood
  • ‘It's designer mud darling - they're worth more now!‘
    John Galliano
Lead Supporter
Tia Collection
Media Partner
DAZED

Featured designers

Acne Studios, Miguel Adrover, Ahluwalia, JW Anderson, Balenciaga, Matty Bovan, BUZIGAHILL, Paolo Carzana, Hussein Chalayan, Piero D’Angelo, Giles Deacon, Diesel, Dior, Phoebe English, Hodakova, IAMISIGO, JORDANLUCA, Comme des Garçons, Dilara Findikoglu, Shelley Fox, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ivan Hunga Garcia, Andrew Groves, Nina Hollein, Ayumi Kajiwara, Ma Ke, Ronald van der Kemp, Manon Kündig, MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO, Helmut Lang, Maison Margiela, Malcolm McLaren, Alexander McQueen, Hamish Morrow, Yuima Nakazato, Louis Gabriel Nouchi, Rick Owens, Carol Christian Poell, Alice Potts, Paco Rabanne, Zandra Rhodes, Marine Serre, Michaela Stark, Moschino, Solitude Studios, SR Studio L.A. C.A. by Sterling Ruby, Olivier Theyskens, TRASHY Clothing, Tom Van der Borght, Elena Velez, Viktor&Rolf, VIN + OMI, Junya Watanabe, Vivienne Westwood, Yodea-Marquel Williams, Robert Wun, XULY.Bët, Yohji Yamamoto, Yaz XL

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This season we're taking a look at the cost of fashion, western ideas of perfection and how artists are turning preconceived notions of dirt and desirability on their heads.

Pay What You Can

Every Thursday from 5–8pm, entry to Dirty Looks is priced Pay What You Can.

Simply pick the price you can pay and enjoy the exhibition. If you're able to pay £18, you'll be helping to support our Visual Arts programme at the Barbican.

Want to see more art for free? Become a member today.

Art Gallery

Location
The Art Gallery is located on Level 3 and can be accessed by stairs and lifts from Level G or via the Sculpture Court if coming from outside. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.