Running from 28 March to 17 August 2025, Splash! is a landmark exploration of swimming’s impact on fashion, architecture, sport and society over the past 100 years. The show features more than 200 objects, including Lucy Morton’s 1924 Olympic gold medal, Tom Daley’s Tokyo 2020 Speedos, and the centrepiece: Pamela Anderson’s now-legendary red Baywatch swimsuit — arguably the most iconic piece of swimwear in popular culture.
Orlebar Brown, renowned for redefining men’s swim and resort wear, brings its support to this timely celebration of water and style. With a flagship store based right here in the Brompton Cross District, the brand’s involvement feels especially relevant — a reflection of the area’s continued contribution to London’s fashion and design narrative.
From vintage bikinis to technical breakthroughs like the banned LZR Racer swimsuit, Splash! spans the evolution of swimwear and swimming environments — pools, lidos, and natural waters — and how design has shaped our relationship with them all. The exhibition, guest-curated by fashion historian Amber Butchart, also considers how swimwear relates to body autonomy, gender expression and access to public space.
Brompton Cross has long been a hub for creative thinkers and style leaders, making this partnership between Orlebar Brown and the Design Museum a natural fit. The store on Pelham Street has been a cornerstone of the brand’s London presence since its early days — a go-to destination for swimwear that merges impeccable tailoring with bold colour and character.
We’re proud to see a local name champion such a dynamic cultural collaboration. Whether you’re an aficionado of design, a fashion historian, or someone who simply appreciates the ritual of the swim, Splash! offers an unmissable look at one of Britain’s most beloved pastimes.
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