Fashion and Attire

The Fashion and Attire Collection of the Museo del Traje is made up of almost 30,000 pieces and continues to grow thanks to the growing interest fashion is awakening as one of the most characteristic expressions of contemporary culture.

Historical garments and fabrics co-exist alongside the most modern designs in a collection that houses treasures often unbeknownst to the general public:

• One of the best 18th century fashion collections in the world.
• The best-preserved examples of the majismo phenomenon portrayed by Goya.
• Possibly the richest collection of regional Spanish costumes, with all their jewels and accessories.
• The best museum collection of works by Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo, in addition to a large number of pieces from his own personal collection.
• A considerable representation of works by Cristóbal Balenciaga and Pedro Rodríguez, whose complete documentary archive is also in our possession, covering his work from 1940 to 1978.
• One of the best collections of Spanish Haute Couture dresses, representing all the great names, among which Manuel Pertegaz and Elio Berhanyer particularly stand out.
• A vast collection of Spanish prêt-à-porter, with emblematic examples of work by the designers responsible for updating Spanish fashion from the 70’s.
• A complete collection of international prêt-à-porter, representing all the major contemporary fashion brands, from Worth, Poiret and Chanel to Kawakubo, Margiela and McQueen.

Additionally, certain unique gowns are worthy of particular attention, such as the one designed by Hubert de Givenchy for the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, worn by style icon, Audrey Hepburn; the spectacular design by Jacques Fath for the film Red Shoes, a unique piece in the world; the bridal gown by Flora Villarreal for the wedding of the Duchess of Alba in 1947; the gifts received by the Infanta Isabella of Bourbon on her journeys through Spain …

This unique collection has grown since the origins of the Museo in 1925 to the present day, thanks largely to the generous donations of many individuals who have made this Museum one of the most important in its class in Europe.