This special event celebrates DIVA, the V&A’s headline exhibition, that takes a closer look at the power and creativity of culturally diverse performers, who have redefined, subverted, and embraced the eclecticism of the diva mantle.

Join author Natasha A Fraser in conversation with Business-of-Fashion Editor at Large, Tim Blanks on…

In the 1970s, teenagers of Caribbean descent would declare themselves ‘Black-British’ and assert precisely…

Thinking about an online course? Book our next taster lecture. This taster lecture is now fully booked but to be first to hear about our next taster lecture please take a moment to sign up to our Academy newsletter via the link on the right.

Those who have booked to receive a recording of Jennifer Wearden's fascinating, free one hour long lecture will receive their link by tomorrow morning, to watch this lecture on demand at anytime from anywhere in the world. Thank you for booking, and you'll receive the recording link and password to view the recording within 24 hours.

Black is probably the most versatile colour in dress. It can be sexy, sophisticated and occasionally mysterious. At the same time black is respectable and authoritative and yet it was a difficult colour to dye and did not appear in any quantity until the 14th century. After that it was worn to great effect by courtiers and more modestly by theologians. It has become the uniform of the professional classes and the essential ‘little black dress’ can be found in many wardrobes. This versatile colour has a rich and sometimes surprising history. Join Jennifer Wearden’s this September to explore 'Textiles: Prehistory to 1700' or browse the full V&A Academy programme now.

This is a pre-recorded lecture, which can be viewed at any time, there is no need to join at the suggested time you'll see on the right side.

With V&A Academy Online, you can log in to view lectures live and pose your questions in the Q&A for all our courses, or view the recording later in your own time for additional 12 or 6 weeks after the last live session. Download lecture notes, copies of the slides, and additional study materials from our secure learning environment. Then join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.

Note: all V&A Academy Online courses - and this taster session - take place on Microsoft Teams. After you book your place, you will be sent a link to the recorded lecture with Q&A within 24 hours and you can enjoy back-watching the recording until Friday 14 October midday. We recommend Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge for the best viewing experience.

With reference to Black style, gender, sexuality, desire, aspiration, pleasure and the dressed body as…

Work with Space Black to reimagine Museum interiors for the future. …

will share 5 generations of women through cloth & culture • Project Co-ordinator Natalie Fiawoo of Black…