Guo Pei to make UK catwalk debut for the V&A Museum

Chinese couturier Guo Pei is set to host her first-ever fashion show in the UK this November.

The creative -- who famously designed the show-stopping yellow gown worn by Rihanna to the 2015 Met Gala -- is heading to the V&A Museum in London next month, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the institution's ‘Fashion in Motion' initiative. The regular series gives the public the chance to attend free shows put on by established and emerging designers, and previous participants have included Alexander McQueen, Erdem, Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Pei will put on four catwalk presentations featuring looks from her Autumn/Winter 2019/20 ‘Alternate Universe Couture' collection, which was first unveiled during Paris Couture Week earlier this year. Drawing inspiration from myths, fables, religious texts and the beauty of natural life, the collection is rooted in the concept of a new universe, and incorporated imagery of mystical creatures from a different realm.

"I am very pleased to be the featured designer of V&A's Fashion in Motion 20th anniversary show," said Pei in a statement. "The V&A is an historic platform, preserving and celebrating art and design in many forms, from many cultures and very often spanning many centuries. I feel fortunate to be included onto V&A's platform and very much looking forward to the collaboration."

"Guo Pei's work demonstrates the height of what can be achieved in the skilled ateliers of an haute couture house," added Oriole Cullen, V&A fashion curator. "We are delighted to be working with Guo Pei to showcase a selection of garments from her uniquely beautiful Alternate Universe collection."

Pei has seen her status skyrocket over recent years, launching her first-ever solo exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2015 and becoming the first Chinese Guest Member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode the same year.

The shows will take place on November 1.