Reflections on Fashion: 75 Years of Fashion Collection

n 2026, Kunstmuseum Den Haag celebrates 75 years of its fashion collection with the exhibition Reflections on Fashion. What began as the Dutch Costume Museum has grown into the largest fashion and costume collection in the Netherlands, with more than 50,000 costumes and accessories. From 17th-century showpieces to contemporary catwalk designs, the collection continues to evolve and inspire.

The exhibition brings together fashion designers, makers, guest curators and students, each offering a personal perspective on the collection. Designs by Iris van Herpen, Coco Chanel, Fong-Leng, Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Jan Taminiau, Viktor & Rolf, Frank Govers and Karim Adduchi are presented in new and unexpected ways.

What can visitors expect?

Each gallery space has its own atmosphere and story. Guest curators including Jan Taminiau, Tess van Zalinge, Ronald van der Kemp, Lisa Konno, Janice Deul and KledingCast explored the museum depot to create their own presentation and selection.

Visitors can discover:

• An open depot by Tess van Zalinge;
• Animated 18th-century costumes by Alu Studios;
• Striking combinations by ULKUHANBATUHAN;
• A selection of black fashion throughout history curated by Jan Taminiau;
• Themes of protest in fashion brought together by Lisa Konno.

Guest curators and collaborations:
Ülkühan Akgül and Batuhan Demir (ULKUHANBATUHAN), Alu Studios, Janice Deul, Ronald van der Kemp, KledingCast, Lisa Konno, Bas Kosters, Guillaume Schmidt and Vic Crezée (Patta), Tailors & Wearers, Jan Taminiau, Tess van Zalinge and Karolina Żebrowska.

The exhibition also highlights the work behind the scenes, including restoration and collection management. Students from fashion academies and vocational education programmes contribute to the exhibition as well. The overall exhibition design by Maarten Spruyt is inspired by the Berlage building that has housed the collection for the past 40 years.