The V&A has announced that eight outfits worn by the legendary performer and songwriter Freddie Mercury will be showcased at V&A South Kensington this October, as part of a free trail.
Opening on 24 October, Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Freddie’s birth. The trail, created with Mary Austin, Freddie’s former fiancée, long-time friend, and confidante, showcases Mercury’s career through costumes and accessories featured in iconic music videos and performances.
Austin is loaning seven of these looks to the V&A.
“I like to be surrounded by splendid things. I want to lead a Victorian life surrounded by exquisite clutter” - Freddie Mercury, 1978
Each of the six trail stops will highlight an iconic moment in Mercury’s career, featuring looks that emphasise his flamboyance, charisma, and versatile creativity, which contributed to his lasting legacy.
Each installation will showcase some of his most memorable outfits set against striking, unique backgrounds within the V&A galleries.
These displays will connect with the exhibited V&A objects and complement the building’s architecture. Mannequins, specially created for the trail, will be posed dynamically to capture his captivating stage presence.
Iconic outfits
The looks span the 1970s and 80s, showcasing Freddie Mercury's evolving style.
Freddie Mercury performs wearing a 'Flash' t-shirt at Sports Arena in San Diego, California, United States, 5th July 1980
Photo by David TanShinko Music/Getty Images
They include a striking monochrome outfit worn during an early Queen performance at Imperial College, featured on the cover of their 1973 debut album. Also highlighted is the ‘Mercury Wing’ catsuit, designed by Wendy de Smet, worn on stage during the Night At the Opera tour in 1975-1976 and featured in the iconic Bohemian Rhapsody video.
His signature crown and cloak, designed by Diana Moseley, were worn on the Magic Tour, including his final stage appearance with Queen at Knebworth in 1986.
The collection traces Mercury’s journey from his early days to his success as a solo artist, exemplified by the costume in the Made in Heaven music video. Accessories and personal wardrobe items also offer insight into the man behind the Mercury persona.
Designed by award-winning designer Tom Piper—famous for his theatre and opera stage designs, including many for the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as his Tower of London poppies, the V&A exhibition Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser, and the Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail—each installation will be unique and theatrically staged.
It will highlight key moments in Mercury's musical career through set dressing and, in some cases, sound and light. A public programme of related events will accompany the display.
Freddie Mercury's creative vision
Kate Bailey, senior curator of theatre and performance at the V&A, says:
Freddie Mercury pictured on the Magic Tour in 1986
Photo by Denis O’Regan
"We are thrilled to display Freddie’s most iconic costumes at the V&A, celebrating one of greatest performers and songwriters of all time.
"Reflecting his love of ‘splendid things’ and his passion for art, design and fashion, Freddie will be very at home in the V&A galleries."
Austin adds: "As we celebrate Freddie’s legacy in what would have been his 80th year, the clothes and costumes to be displayed at the V&A tell a hugely important part of his story both on and off the stage.
"Never mere accoutrements, his costumes and clothes were essential to his performances, creative vision, and wider self-expression, carefully designed to create a lasting visual and emotional impact that has reached across the generations and still reverberates today."
