This spring, Charleston is hosting Art Charleston 2025, a five-day festival running from April 23–27 that puts art and fashion at the center of the conversation—this year’s theme is “art and fashion collide!” Hosted by the Gibbes Museum of Art, the festival will host a citywide takeover with exhibitions, talks, street parties, and plenty of moments that blur the lines between creative disciplines.
Headliner Nell Diamond of Hill House Home
Nell Diamond, founder and CEO of Hill House Home, will deliver the keynote at the annual “Art of Design” luncheon on April 23. Diamond’s brand is best known for the cult-favorite Nap Dress® and recently opened its largest store on Charleston’s King Street, just a short stroll from the Gibbes Museum.
“I am thrilled to be selected as this year’s keynote speaker for The Art of Design,” Diamond said in a press release. “Charleston is such a dynamic city and is a favorite art destination for many of our customers from around the country. I love the work they are doing at the Gibbes Museum of Art, especially the education initiatives of the Gibbes Women’s Council.”
Statement Pieces Exhibition
At the heart of Art Charleston is Statement Pieces: Contemporary Fashion Design and the Gibbes Collection, a bold exhibition pairing high fashion with fine art that’s on display until April 27. Expect to see looks from Gucci, Alexander McQueen, and Comme des Garçons alongside works by Joan Mitchell, Romare Bearden, Barkley Hendricks, and other greats. Garments date from the 1770s through the 2020s.
Street Parties, Runway Shows, and Panel Conversations
Art Charleston goes well beyond the gallery walls. On April 24, the festival’s signature street party, Gibbes on the Street, takes over downtown with Charleston’s top chefs serving up their best. The night will be headlined by New York-based culinary star Michael Toscano.
“The city’s passionate food community and its Southern flair have influenced my creativity, and we are thrilled to be able to give back alongside so many talented Charleston chefs contributing their talents to Gibbes on the Street,” Toscano said in the release.
On April 26, local fashion takes the spotlight at the debut “Sew Surreal” runway show. Ten Charleston designers will present original collections inspired by the Gibbes Museum’s permanent collection, complete with live music and immersive visuals.
For those curious about where fashion is heading, Threads of Change: Fashion, Culture and the Digital Age on April 23 will feature voices like Luke Meagher (HauteLeMode), Maia Wyman (Broey Deschanel), and Recho Omondi (The Cutting Room Floor) to unpack the fast-changing landscape of fashion criticism and digital culture.
Plan Your Visit and Book Early
April is peak season in Charleston, and hotel rooms are filling up fast. Festivalgoers should book early to make the most of the experience. Proceeds from Art Charleston support the Gibbes Museum’s year-round education and community programs, which have already raised over $1 million for the arts.
Get the full schedule and plan your visit at gibbesmuseum.org/art-charleston.
