The first international retrospective of the life and career of David Bowie is planned to be held at the the V&A this Spring. Sponsored by Gucci, the exhibition consists of a wide selection of photographs, memorabilia and 60 stage costumes by such iconic designers as Freddie Burretti, Kansai Yamamoto and Alexander McQueen, all from the personal archives of Bowie.

For the first time, an insight will be given into the life of the artist and how he was influenced by movements in art and design as well as the way in which he influenced contemporary art and design as well as the music scene, throughout his varied career. Often misunderstood, always controversial, his androgynous beauty and musical talent impossible to ignore as he became a cult figure for generations.

The exhibition, which coincides with the release of Bowie’s first album and single for a decade, is curated by the V&A’s department of Theatre and Performance and not Bowie, who has distanced himself from the event. The exhibition will run from March 23rd through July 28th, 2013.