To celebrate 75 years of their collection of fashion and costume, Kunstmuseum Den Haag opened its doors to an exhibition that transforms the museum’s treasures into a dynamic dialogue between past and present. Reflections on Fashion, running until January 3rd of 2027, showcases iconic designs from Iris van Herpen, Coco Chanel, Dior, Viktor & Rolf, and Hubert de Givenchy alongside hidden gems, all presented through fresh and unexpected perspectives.

The exhibition is shaped by co-curators Jan Taminiau, Tess van Zalinge, Ronald van der Kemp, Lisa Konno, Janice Deul and KledingCast, who were each given space to build a gallery sharing their personal take on the collection. Taminiau explores the many shades of black across centuries, while Konno brings together garments that embody forms of protest and resistance. Van Zalinge’s “open depot” invites visitors to examine historical garments inside and out. ULKUHANBATUHAN presents provocative combinations, and Alu Studios shares animated interpretations of 18th century costumes.

Amongst the most anticipated pieces on display is a pale-pink Chanel dress from 1926, an unexpected find hidden in a collection of fabric scraps that was made famous by the Dutch television programme Secrets of the Museum. After undergoing careful restoration, this remarkable piece will be shown to the public in real life for the very first time.

What began in 1951 as the Dutch Costume Museum has grown into the nation’s largest fashion collection, encompassing over 50,000 costumes and accessories. Curator Madelief Hohé reflects: “There has been real positive energy in the collaboration with all our enthusiastic co-curators. We asked them what they felt the collection was missing – and we are now doing our best to fill those gaps. This is evidence that our fashion collection continues to inspire and offer new perspectives, generation after generation.” While General Director Margriet Schavemaker also observes: “Reflections on Fashion both looks back and takes an optimistic view of the future.”

By embracing co-creation and foregrounding the material and conceptual richness of its holdings, the museum positions its fashion collection not merely as a repository of historical artefacts but as an active site of cultural dialogue. In doing so, it honours the 75 years of collecting and scholarship while demonstrating how garments, as objects of material culture, continue to yield new meanings when viewed through contemporary eyes.