Chinese designer Guo Pei to host first London show

Guo is one of China's most renowned designers, and in 2015 she shot onto the international stage when superstar Rihanna wore one of her designs to fashion's biggest annual event, the Met Gala (the Costume Institute Gala at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art), which was celebrating the exhibition China: Through the Looking Glass.

Guo followed that moment with her first-ever solo exhibition at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris and, later that year, became the first and only Chinese guest member of the Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the international body that brings together international fashion brands and promotes fashion culture.

Through her designs, Guo showcases the finest of traditional Chinese craftsmanship while incorporating contemporary innovation. Her designs take inspiration from myths, legends, religion, architecture and her own cultural heritage.

Oriole Cullen, V&A fashion curator, said: "Guo Pei's work demonstrates the height of what can be achieved in the skilled ateliers (workshops) of an haute couture house. We are delighted to be working with Guo Pei, to showcase a selection of garments from her uniquely beautiful Alternate Universe collection."