DIVA exhibition: Fashion icons rise at Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is currently hosting the DIVA exhibition, a major display celebrating the impact of performers on fashion and entertainment. Running from October 4 through January 31, 2027, the exhibition features approximately 250 objects, including 58 costumes from nearly 100 iconic artists. Organized by London's Victoria and Albert Museum, this is the exhibition's sole U.S. engagement. It traces the evolution of performance attire across opera, stage, film, and popular music, demonstrating how artists have used fashion to create distinct personas and exert influence. Highlights include Tina Turner's "Flame Dress" by Bob Mackie and Marilyn Monroe's costume from "Some Like It Hot." The exhibition also features contemporary artists like Rihanna and extends its scope to include prominent Latina performers such as Yma Sumac and Selena Quintanilla, with additions like Dolly Parton's stage costumes for the Denver showing. The DIVA exhibition delves into the concept of the 'diva,' originally linked to opera and later used to describe powerful female stars. It explores how this term evolved and how performers have navigated and challenged industry expectations through their artistry and personal style.