DIVA Exhibition at the V&A
- THE DVN
- Aug 18, 2023
- 2 min read
The most recent major exhibition at the V&A delves into the remarkable appearances, music, and societal significance of divas.
The V&A exhibition presents an array of stage and film costumes, spanning from the cultish to the sublime. These costumes come to life as you listen to the diva's magnificent performances using high-quality headphones which were provided by the V&A staff.
The exhibition started with the emergence of prominent female performers in the 1830s, the exhibition highlights both 'prima donnas,' opera singers, and theatre stars who enjoyed devoted fan bases and renowned repertoires.
The exhibition then leads through the fluctuations of 1950s Hollywood icons such as Gloria Swanson, Bette Davis, and Marilyn Monroe. Notably, Monroe's iconic little black dress from "Some Like it Hot" is prominently showcased.
Fame gives divas the opportunity to attain independence, wealth, and renown. Their elevated status confronted the conventional notions of femininity during a period when women were often considered inferior. As Bette Davis famously remarked, ‘When a woman gives her opinion, she’s a b****’.
When visiting this exhibition we found that one can grasp how the divas of the previous two centuries laid the groundwork for contemporary artists like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. located upstairs were the Modern Day Divas.
From Björk's ethereal ensemble, donned during her 2021 Reykjavik performance, to Cher's Egyptian deity attire showcased at a 1987 Music Award event, and Tina Turner's fiery Flame Dress crafted by Bob Mackie in 1977, these outfits are not just awe-inspiring but also trailblazing. As Lady Gaga aptly puts it, "Never allow anyone to convince you that you can't authentically be yourself." The contemporary diva knows no bounds when it comes to expressing identity and pursuing aspirations.
The exhibition is completed by Rihanna's commanding black coat-dress from the Met Gala, designed by Demna for Balenciaga.
