Freddie Mercury's Bohemian Rhapsody catsuit and other amazing outfits to go on free display in London
25 August 2026, 07:48 | Updated: 3 September 2026, 09:44
Mary Austin lends some fantastic Freddie Mercury looks to the V&A for a new exhibition.
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As the leader of Queen, Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest frontmen of all time, with many arguing he's the best full stop.
He was also an incredible creative force, writing so many of Queen's biggest and best hits, including 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Killer Queen', 'We Are the Champions', 'Don't Stop Me Now' and 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'.
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And Freddie was also a pioneer in rock fashion, with many of his looks becoming as iconic as Queen's music.
This November will mark what would have been Mercury's 80th birthday, and to celebrate the occasion the V&A in London is hosting a special free exhibition featuring eight of Freddie's amazing outfits.
Seven of these costumes have been lent by Mary Austin, Freddie's one-time girlfriend, fiancée and life-long friend.
"As we celebrate Freddie’s legacy in what would have been his 80th year, the clothes and costumes to be displayed at the V&A tell a hugely important part of his story both on and off the stage," Austin said.
"Never mere accoutrements, his costumes and clothes were essential to his performances, creative vision, and wider self-expression, carefully designed to create a lasting visual and emotional impact that has reached across the generations and still reverberates today."
Among the outfits in the display are the white Mercury Wing catsuit Freddie wore in the music video for 'Bohemian Rhapsody' music video, which was designed by Wendy de Smet.
There's also the outfit Freddie wore on the front of Queen's self-titled debut in 1973, and the Diana Moseley cloak he wore for the band's last live show at Knebworth in 1986.
Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things will run on at the V&A in London from October 24, 2026 to January 17, 2027.
It's a free exhibition on display across the V&A's permanent galleries.
The title comes from one of Freddie's immortal quotes from 1978: "I like to be surrounded by splendid things. I want to lead a Victorian life surrounded by exquisite clutter."
