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.

Featuring icons like Hussein Chalayan, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Miguel Adrover and Maison Margiela, alongside emerging designers such as Elena Velez, Yuima Nakazato and IAMISIGO, this exhibition explores fashion’s past, present and possible future.