Past Exhibitions

May, 2026

A vibrant exhibition celebrating the life, style, and cultural impact of one of the most influential figures in fashion and music, Boy George, opened in the Museum of Style Icons on 12 May 2026. Featured amongst the exhibits was the unforgettable yellow two-piece worn during his performance of Karma Chameleon on the David Letterman Show in the United States on 29th June 1983. Boy George is known for the many and varied hats which he has worn during his career, a selection of which were exhibited in the museum. Most of them were created by the famous hat maker, Philip Treacy, who also attended the exhibition.

October, 2026

U2 bassist, Adam Clayton, showcased his personal collection of 18 iconic bass guitars in the Museum of Style Icons, Newbridge, Co. Kildare from October 20th to November 9th, 2025. The exhibition entitled “Played, Worn and Torn, Featuring the Adam Clayton Collection,” took place just before the collection went to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, where it was auctioned by Julien’s Auctions.

March, 2025

The swinging 1960s are synonymous with the British fashion designer, Mary Quant. She is credited with inventing the mini skirt and the infamous hotpants. In 2025 the Museum of Style Icons hosted an exhibition called, “Mary Quant – 60s Mini Revolution.” The collection featured colourful tights, skinny-rib sweaters, playful onesies and the caped raincoats for which Quant was famous. Also on display was a selection of colourful eye shadows and nail varnish which revolutionised women’s attitude to make-up. The collection was the private property of Dublin native, Jannette Flood, who very kindly made it available to the Museum on loan.

June, 2024

On June 4th 2024, the Museum of Style Icons proudly presented a collection of stunning garments, formerly the property of the late Princess Diana, Princess of Wales. The garments were displayed for the last time before being sold at auction by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, on June 27th 2024. Amongst the exhibits was a Murray Arbeid blue strapless tulle diamanté star gown, which she wore to the premiere of “The Phantom of the Opera,” in 1986. The gown later sold at auction for $780,000. Another garment exhibited was the Catherine Walker-designed yellow and navy skirt suit worn in 1989 on a visit to a British Forces shore base in Tamar, Hong Kong.

February, 2024

The exhibition, “Raquel Welch – One in a Million,” opened in the Museum of Style Icons on February 23rd 2024. It was the only European exhibition of the superstar’s most famous and iconic costumes before going to auction in Los Angeles on April 12th 2024. Raquel Welch was an American icon who was most famous for her role in the epic film, “One Million Years B.C.” Although she only had three lines in the film, the scene and the posters of her wearing the fur bikini turned her into an international sex symbol. Her most famous film was “Myra Breckinridge,” in which she played the part of a transgender woman. She won a Golden Globe for her role in the classic film, “The Three Musketeers.”

2024

In 2024, the Museum of Style Icons had the honour of collaborating with ICAP (Irish Costume Archive Project) in staging an exhibition entitled, “Iconic Costumes of the Irish Silver Screen.” The exhibition featured Irish film costumes that have left an indelible mark on the silver screen. It showcased the artistry and craftsmanship behind the creation of the costumes worn in some of the most famous Irish films. Amongst the costumes featured were those worn in “Breakfast on Pluto,” “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Michael Collins,” “Braveheart” and many more.

October, 2023

For over 50 years, legendary musician, Dusty Hill of ZZ Top, entertained audiences all over the world with his signature sounds of blues and rock. An exhibition dedicated to Dusty Hill opened in the Museum of Style Icons in October 2023. Just some of the items which were exhibited included some of Hill’s famous guitars, cowboy boots, jewellery and stage-worn elaborate jackets. ZZ Top’s greatest hits included, “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” and “Sharp Dressed Man.” The band is famous for their live performances and their matching long beards, sunglasses and hats. ZZ Top is the longest-running band with an unchanged lineup in the history of popular music.

March, 2023

A unique and exciting exhibition entitled, “Beyond Black – Celebrating the Life and Style of Amy Winehouse,” opened in the Museum of Style Icons, Newbridge Silverware, Newbridge on 20th, March 2023. The exhibition highlighted never before displayed garments and memorabilia providing a fascinating insight into the life and career of the multi-talented artist. Amongst the guests at the event was Naomi Perry, a close friend and personal stylist to Amy Winehouse.

October, 2022

On 6th October 2022, “Starry, Starry Night”, an exhibition dedicated to the legendary Don McLean, opened in the Museum of Style Icons. The exhibition, which was attended by Don McLean, was a curation of some of his most famous costumes and personal memorabilia, including the original lyrics to the song, “Vincent.” McLean is one of the most revered folk and rock recording artists of all time, having sold more than 50 million records worldwide.

June, 2022

An exhibition opened in the Museum of Style Icons on 23rd June 2022 entitled “Betty White’s Golden Moments”. It celebrated the life and times of the legendary Betty White. Although she was the star of many variety shows and sitcoms, she is best known for her portrayal of Rose Nylund in “The Golden Girls,” in which she perfectly depicted the naïve widow who was as sweet as she was clueless.

November, 2021

“Brendan Grace and Bottler, the Liberty Boys,” opened in the Museum of Style Icons on 25th November 2021. The exhibition was dedicated to the life of Ireland’s favourite comedian and entertainer, Brendan Grace. Featured were some of his most iconic stage outfits including that worn by him as his most famous character, “Bottler.” Also on show was the suit which he wore during his hilarious portrayal of “the Father of the Bride,” and that worn by him as Father Fintan Stack in “Father Ted.”

November, 2019

Doris Day was one of the most beloved Hollywood stars of the 20th century. “The Doris Day Show”, an exhibition dedicated to her life and works, opened in the Museum of Style Icons on 26th November 2019. She starred in such movie classics as “Calamity Jane” and “Pillow Talk.” The exhibition featured an exclusive collection of her iconic costumes worn during her stage and television career. Day had a great love of animals. All the items on show, and many more, were auctioned by Julien’s Auctions, Beverly Hills, in April 2020, the proceeds of which went to her charity, “The Doris Day Animal Foundation”.

September, 2019

Elizabeth Taylor was one of the most beautiful and glamorous women of her time. On 10th September 2019, an exhibition titled, “The Lifestyle of Elizabeth Taylor,” opened in the Museum of Style Icons. The exhibition offered an insight into the rare and private collection of the Hollywood legend’s boldest and most fashion-forward jewellery pieces and costumes, designed by Christian Dior, Edith Head, Valentino, and Oscar de la Renta, to name but a few.

July, 2019

On 22nd July 2019, Hollywood superstar, Olivia Newton-John, personally unveiled a world exclusive exhibition of some of her most iconic film and stage-worn garments in the Museum of Style Icons. Amongst the garments were the famous black leather jacket and trousers that she wore in the film “Grease,” while singing “You’re the One That I Want,” with John Travolta. Garments she wore while singing “Physical” and “Xanadu” were also featured. During a photocall at the event, she posed beside a 1959 pink Cadillac. Tragically, Olivia passed away on August 8th 2022.

July, 2019

On July 1st 2019, Charlene Wittstock visited Newbridge Silverware and the Museum of Style Icons. On July 1st 2011, she married Prince Albert of Monaco. During her visit, she was shown the extensive collection of iconic garments once worn by Princess Grace of Monaco, her soon-to-be husband’s late mother. Amongst them was the ballgown worn by Grace Kelly in the film “High Society.” This was the last film she ever made, for, after her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956, she was forbidden from making any further films. The “High Society” dress is on permanent display in the museum.

June, 2019

A Lifetime Curation of Haute Couture – German fashion expert, Monika Gottlieb, has been curating haute couture pieces for over 50 years. She has amassed an enviable collection of stunning gowns and pieces from designers such as Chanel, Givenchy, Dior, Balmain, Oscar de la Renta, amongst many others. Her family founded an elegant perfumery in 1926 on the Königsallee in Düsseldorf. She first met Christian Dior when she was four years old. He was a regular visitor to her family home. Monika is a regular fashion speaker for auction houses, museums, TV, and fashion events. She is well known and highly regarded in international fashion collector circles. In June 2019, Monika opened an exhibition of some of the finest haute couture garments in the world in the Museum of Style Icons.

June, 2018

In June 2018, the Museum of Style Icons had the pleasure of holding an exhibition entitled, “Kurt Cobain, Growing Up.” Kurt Cobain was the frontman of the world-famous rock band, Nirvana. The exhibition comprised a collection of Cobain’s personal memorabilia, including drawings, sketches and handwritten lyrics, specially curated for the exhibition by his family. Also on display was the only car that Kurt owned during his lifetime, a powder blue 1965 Dodge Dart.

June, 2017

Famous fashion designer, Elizabeth Emanuel, who, with her former husband, David Emanuel, designed the wedding dress worn by Diana, Princess of Wales on the occasion of her marriage to Prince Charles in 1981, visited and opened the “Diana – A Fashion Legacy” exhibition at the Museum of Style Icons on July 31st, 2017. During the visit she shared her experiences working with the Princess and showcased elements of the exhibition. Amongst them is the final calico toile which was worn by Princess Diana for the final fitting for the wedding dress. Also part of the exhibition is a set of miniatures of the wedding dress, the bridesmaids’ dresses and the dresses worn by the flower girls. They were made to a one-eighth size of the originals and were handmade by Elizabeth from fabric and lace remaining over from the finished gown.

May, 2017

“60s Summer Of Love Featuring Donovan”, opened in the Museum of Style Icons on 22nd May 2017. The exhibition featured fashion and music from the 1960s including garments and memorabilia from the personal archives of Donovan whose music and writing influenced an entire generation of young and aspiring musicians, including The Beatles. Donovan was in attendance at the opening of the exhibition.

May, 2016

In May 2016, the Museum of Style Icons hosted an exhibition featuring a collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, and never-before-seen letters and photos. Highlights included glamorous costumes from “Some Like It Hot,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” and “The Prince and the Showgirl.” An original garment from this film, designed by the famous Hollywood designer, Beatrice Dawson, is on permanent display in the museum.

October, 2010

Michael Flatley, the world-renowned dancer who rose to fame for his performance in “Riverdance” during the interval in the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin in 1994, opened an exhibition of some of his iconic dance costumes in the Museum of Style Icons in October 2010. Included in the exhibition is a plaque honouring him for his mesmerising feat of tapping 35 times in a single second.

March, 2009

An exclusive collection of memorabilia, the property of “The King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, went on display in the Museum of Style Icons on 5th March 2009. The items were part of a collection of over 2,000 lots to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills the following month. Amongst the items showcased were the iconic white jewelled glove, a selection of Jackson’s on-stage costumes and the fedora from the “Billie Jean” video.

April, 2008

Actor Larry Hagman, famous for playing the character J.R. Ewing in the television series, “Dallas,” visited the Newbridge Silverware Visitors Centre in April 2008. He and co-star, Linda Gray, appeared as special celebrity judges for the high-profile Newbridge Silverware Best Dressed Lady Competition at Punchestown Races

April, 2008

Actress Linda Gray, famous for playing Sue-Ellen Ewing, the long-suffering wife of J.R. Ewing in the TV series, “Dallas,” has served as a long-standing brand ambassador for Newbridge Silverware. She frequently collaborated with the company on collection launches, photo shoots and public appearances, including guesting on The Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy. In 2008 she visited Newbridge Silverware with the aforementioned J.R. Ewing, aka Larry Hagman. They attended Punchestown Races, where they judged the Best Dressed Lady Competition. They travelled by helicopter on a very windy day. Linda managed to descend from the whirling bird elegantly, showing her very shapely legs. The same legs are famous in their own right, as Linda was the leg model for the famous “The Graduate” film poster, for which she was paid the sum of $25. She also visited Newbridge Silverware where she signed a limited number of copies of her book, “The Road to Happiness Is Always Under Construction.”