Who hasn't cried during Jack and Rose's iconic movie scenes? Now you can literally step into their world! The Kunstmuseum Den Haag opened the breathtaking exhibition "Titanic & Fashion - The Last Dance" yesterday, and we were there—check out Instagram . Spoiler alert: it's worth a visit!
The magic of movie costumes that make history
Imagine: standing face to face with the real dress Kate Winslet wore as Rose DeWitt Bukater. That stunning, cream-white deck dress with the delicate embroidery where she falls head over heels for Jack during those famous scenes on the first-class deck. The original costumes from the Oscar-winning 1997 film have been displayed with such loving care that you almost expect Leonardo DiCaprio to walk past them at any moment.
But it's not just nostalgia; these costumes tell the story of a time when fashion truly held power. The contrast between the opulent skirts of first class and the simple attire of third class is painfully apparent. It's beautifully captured.
Fashion as a revolution: when women changed the world
What makes this exhibition so special is how it brings the period 1908-1918 to life, a time surprisingly similar to our world today. Women fought for their right to vote, technology advanced rapidly, and fashion became the weapon of emancipation. Corsets were abandoned, bright colors replaced soft powder tones, and pioneers like Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret rewrote the rules.
The museum is showcasing beautiful, never-before-seen pieces from its own collection alongside the film costumes. A curator's favorite is a velvety-soft dress by Gustav Beer from Paris, restored to its former glory. You can just feel the stories woven into these fabrics!
From past to present: contemporary fashion queens
The twist on this exhibition? The combination of work by contemporary designers inspired by that romantic, exuberant period. Iris van Herpen is showcasing two breathtaking 3D-printed dresses from her "Carte Blanche" collection—featuring artificial water droplets to recreate the underwater experience. Touchingly beautiful!
Dutch designer Tess van Zalinge also shows how the corset can liberate rather than constrict today. And Craig Green creates fashion for "urban nomads"—clothing that can hold everything, ready to depart or flee. Very contemporary.
Do you recognize these Rose dresses from the movie? They're (almost?) all there.
Why this exhibition is perfect for your next girls' day out
Looking for a fun day out with friends? This is a must! The exhibition gives you that wonderful feeling of time travel, of dreaming of glamour and elegance, but also of gratitude for how far we as women have come. Perfect for putting things into perspective and feeling inspired again.
What's more, it's simply a visual feast, with the design by art director Maarten Spruyt making it a true experience. And for the shoppers among us: there's a special pop-up shop.
Plan your visit (and don't forget your camera!)
'Titanic & Fashion - The Last Dance' is on display at the Kunstmuseum Den Haag until January 26, 2026. This unique exhibition can only be seen here.
💡 Tip: Plan a whole afternoon for it. So bring a friend, enjoy a cup of coffee in the museum café, and fully immerse yourself in the world of Rose and Jack.
Because, as the museum so eloquently puts it: this is a story about the past, but surprisingly, also about the present. A story full of resilience and optimism. And we could all use a bit of that, right?
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