Is the future of art in their hands?
Fashion has always borrowed from art for its inspiration. But not any longer. Now it's the designers who are taking over our galleries and museums, says Deyan Sudjic.

Electric frocks
In 50 years' time, fashion historians will look back at the turn of this century as a golden age - as important as when Christian Dior launched the New Look. A ground-breaking autumn exhibition at the V&A, sponsored by The Observer, celebrates the rise of the radical - from British showman Alexander McQueen to Belgian recluse Martin Margiela. Here, Tamsin Blanchard introduces our exclusive preview.

Dedicated followers
Some people wouldn't be seen at the corner shop without their Westwood corset or Miyake 'jellyfish' top. Lucy Siegle persuades five fashion obsessives to come out of the closet.

Radical Fashion
Images from the Observer Life special on the Radical Fashion exhibition

Radical Fashion preview
More images from the Radical Fashion exhibition in our exclusive online gallery

Radical fashion quiz
Are you at the cutting-edge of radical fashion - or is the high street more your scene. Test your fashion knowledge in our quiz on the Radical Fashion designers.

Return to sender
A letter you can wear, a dress you can write on... Tamsin Blanchard unfolds Hussein Chalayan's latest creation - and tells you how to win one in our exclusive competition

Official website
To find out more about the Radical Fashion exhibition and for advance ticket bookings click here