Saved events

Audio Described Tour with Lisa Squirrel on Dirty Looks

Desire and Decay in Fashion

,Art Gallery
A woman looks at a collection of earth-toned outfits by designer Paolo Carzana.

Dirty Looks, Installation view, Barbican Art Gallery, Thu 25 Sep 2025 - Sun 25 Jan 2026 © David Parry / Barbican Art Gallery

An Audio Described tour of the exhibition, for blind and partially sighted visitors, led by Lisa Squirrel, who will describe key works on display.

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.

Tagged with: Art & design

Ticket prices

Free
Free

These accessibility provisions are available for this event.

Audio described

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.