WHAT? Blitz: The Club that Shaped the 80s

WHERE? The Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG

WHEN? Now until 29 March 2026

WHY GO? For nostalgic vibes. It was a period in fashion that divided opinion. Those involved in the New Romantic phase will never forget its impact and remember lovingly the one and only Covent Garden Blitz nightspot; those that didn’t thought the whole era over-hyped.
Either way, this exhibition pays tribute to the legendary 1980s Blitz club — a dynamic hotbed of creatives, designers, musicians and poseurs that has already garnered a legion of fans across the cultural sphere.
Famously, there was Boy George, who headed up a posse of movers and shakers that included DJ and broadcaster Robert Elms, milliner Stephen Jones and fashion guru Hamish Bowles — all hosted by Blitz founders Steve Strange and Rusty Egan.
The Covent Garden club itself was small but big on characters who created its myth and were the Bright Young Things of their day. Their quirky self-styled “Blitz Kids” look filtered down into mainstream fashion with stores like Topshop churning out dandyish velvets, spiky hats and sparkly face paints aplenty.
Relive the magic through this creative show that includes personal memorabilia, musical instruments (including handwritten lyrics from superfan Gary Kemp), video clips and a tiny mock-up of the bar itself that will evoke instant nostalgia.

IN THE KNOW Eighties culture has gathered momentum in exhibitions this year. First there was Outlaws: Fashion Renegades at the Fashion and Textile Museum (now showing costumiers Cosprop), then Leigh Bowery at Tate Modern, followed by the opening of the unique David Bowie archive at the V&A Storehouse — and now fans can relish this tribute to the trailblazing Blitz Club. What next?