The basis for the exhibition is a collection of costumes presented to the Hermitage by Hatulia Avsadzhanashvili. The display is supplemented by works selected for this project by leading world fashion houses from their own archives.

Each year in the history of fashion over the past three decades is represented by a single emblematic ensemble for the most striking brand of the year. This sort of broad, yet at the same time “pinpoint” selection of exhibits makes it possible to identify the main vectors in the development of fashion and to show the greatest achievements in the fields of couture and design.

The exhibition includes works by celebrated designers who at various times have been in charge at the fashion houses Givenchy, Loewe, Gucci, Paco Rabbane, Elie Saab, Rochas, Proenza Schouler, Lanvin, Miu Miu, Giorgio Armani, Brioni, Stella McCartney, Balmain, Versace, Oscar de la Renta, Luisa Beccaria, Moncler, Jill Sander, Alberta Ferretti, Prada, The Row, Larusmiani, Marni, Berluti, Fendi, Ermenegildo Zegna, Calvin Klein, Tierry Mugler.