Fashion Collections and Curation

Discover the secrets of fashion curation, from collections care to creating compelling narratives, in this online course from the V&A Academy.

The V&A’s fashion collection is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Our fashion exhibitions are renowned for their innovation and broad appeal, attracting millions of visitors worldwide and setting a global standard in curatorial practice.

In collaboration with a diverse team of curators, exhibition makers, conservators, collections managers, and other industry experts, you will learn the principles of collections management and care, object-based storytelling, and audience engagement in collaboration with a diverse team of curators, exhibition makers, conservators, collections managers, and other industry experts. The course also covers curatorial ethics and strategies for creating inclusive narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences.

You’ll explore how to use objects to convey historical, social, and aesthetic narratives, and understand the critical role fashion plays in reflecting cultural identity. Through case studies and project-based learning, you will gain hands-on experience in exhibition design, working with digital tools, and connect with a global audience.

This course aims to provide you with a well-rounded understanding of:

•  The principles and practice of curatorship, including the role of the curator
•  The life cycle of objects in the museum
•   Collections management and care
•  Engagement activities such as exhibitions, displays, and social media

By the end of the course, you will have developed a strong foundation in both traditional and emerging curatorial practices, enabling you to shape fashion narratives that are both thought-provoking and accessible to a wide range of audiences.

V&A Academy gives you online access to a range of courses helping you develop the professional skills you need to work in today’s museum sector. Led by expert staff, the professional development programme offers courses and training that use V&A case studies to provide unique insights into our world-class collections, work and best practice.