·       Ginger Spice’s boots, Scary Spice’s catsuit, Baby Spice’s dress, and 1996 BRIT Award trophy on display in ‘Cool Britannia’ exhibition

·       The Sun’s Dominic Mohan takes us back to the era-defining year when “London felt like the centre of the world”

·       Free exhibition at City Corporation’s Barbican Music Library puts the spotlight on music, dance culture, art, fashion, sport, and politics

Mel B’s “sexy, naughty, and bold” leopard print catsuit worn at the Spice Girls’ performance at the 1997 BRIT Awards and a BRIT Award trophy are some of the standout items in a new exhibition celebrating a landmark year for music, art, fashion, sport, and politics.

Described as one of her “most loved and treasured items”, the catsuit will be displayed alongside Geri Halliwell’s Union Jack platform boots and Emma Bunton’s blue dress in ‘1996: A celebration of the wildest year of Britain’s wildest decade - 30 years on’, which opens tomorrow (16 April) at Barbican Music Library.

Previously unseen Oasis memorabilia; items from record producers and DJs, Paul Oakenfold, Dave Pearce, and Judge Jules; concert flyers and tickets; music magazines; and tabloids’ front pages with memorable headlines feature with the trailblazing girl group’s outfits and the distinctive silver statuette. On loan from the British Phonographic Industry, the trophy was presented to winning artists at The BRIT Awards in 1996, including Oasis (which won three awards - Best Album, British Group, and British Video), Annie Lennox, Paul Weller, Take That, David Bowie, and Michael Jackson.

Evocative photographs by Jill Furmanovsky and Derek Ridgers of bands on- and off‑stage, an Epiphone ‘Union Jack’ Sheraton guitar (on loan from Lee Bartram from Gibson EMEA and featured on the exhibition poster), and Liam Gallagher’s tambourine signed by Oasis drummer, Alan White, are also on display.

Created by former The Sun editor and its ‘Bizarre’ columnist, Dominic Mohan, the free exhibition at the City of London Corporation’s library will “capture that magical period when pop, rock, football, art, dance culture, food, the media, and politics fused together spectacularly.”

Back in 1996, the Spice Girls were born and scored three number ones, including a global hit with their debut single, Wannabe, Oasis rocked Maine Road and Knebworth, the Sex Pistols reunited, and Pulp, Blur, and Suede were riding high in the charts. Trainspotting became a cult phenomenon, turning Irvine Welsh’s novel into a break-out film, and Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst, had emerged as two of the most provocative voices in British art. England was inches away from triumphing in Euro ’96 at Wembley and in politics, it was the dawn of New Labour.

Looking back at the BRIT Awards performance and ahead, to Dominic Mohan’s exhibition, Mel B said:

“It is now the moment to unleash my ‘90s leopard catsuit back into the wild for the world to admire. What memories. What a time. What an outfit.

“Perhaps one of the most iconic Spice performances with my gorgeous girls and best friends at the peak of the ‘90s at the BRIT Awards. A glorious moment when we came home to celebrate a rollercoaster seven months after exploding from unknowns in July 1996 to feeling like we had conquered the world.  It was all a crazy ‘90s whirlwind but, in my leopard print, I knew I could take on anything. This outfit is sexy, naughty, and bold, which pretty much sums up me and the Nineties! I hope you love it as much as I do. And, yes, I can still fit into it!! 

“Enjoy one of my most loved and treasured items from my personal archive. Thirty years on, cherish the memory, and enjoy the exhibition. Love life. Girl power 2026.”

‘1996’ exhibition creator and curator, Dominic Mohan, said:

“I’m thrilled that we’ve got Mel B’s catsuit, Geri’s platform boots, Emma B’s dress, Liam’s tambourine, and a BRIT Award trophy all jostling for position next to so many other incredible items. In creating this exhibition, I’ve hoped to capture that magical period when pop, rock, football, art, dance culture, food, the media, and politics fused together spectacularly to become the wildest year of Britain’s wildest decade.”

Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee, Brendan Barns, said:

“Will you grab a selfie with the BRIT Award trophy, go mad for the Oasis memorabilia, or be drawn to the superb photography? And if you’re a die-hard Spice Girls fan, you’ll jump at the chance to come to the library and get up close to those iconic outfits... because, let’s face it, where else would you wannabe?

“Whatever brings back happy memories or ignites your interest in this rollercoaster year, Dominic Mohan’s star-studded take on ‘Cool Britannia’ is going to be one of the hottest free exhibitions in the capital.”

Barbican Music Library supports Destination City, the City of London Corporation’s growth strategy for the Square Mile, and forms part of the City of London’s wider arts and cultural offer.

The City of London Corporation is one of the largest funders of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year. It manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Library, The London Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and London Museum, which will open later this year.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

‘1996: A celebration of the wildest year of Britain’s wildest decade - 30 years on’ runs from 16 April to 19 September 2026 at Barbican Music Library. Admission FREE.

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile, dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

About Barbican Music Library:

Barbican Music Library holds one of the most significant public music collections in the country. As well as a large stock of books, scores, periodicals, and audiovisual items, a range of digital resources is available for use by library members. The library hosts a vibrant exhibition and events programme to showcase the musical diversity of London and the UK.

Barbican Music Library (Barbican Centre, Level 2 – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/libraries/barbican-music-library)

The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train, and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.

 About Dominic Mohan:

Dominic Mohan is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and former editor of The Sun newspaper. While working as The Sun’s showbusiness editor, he interviewed some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Sir Paul McCartney, David Bowie, U2, Beyonce, Madonna, Sir Rod Stewart, Sir Elton John, Oasis, Coldplay, and The Spice Girls.

With over three decades of experience in print, broadcast, and digital media, he now consults in communications, crisis management, and public relations, alongside his continuing love affair with journalism and broadcasting. 

Dominic’s book, 1996: My Backstage Pass to The Wildest Year of Britain’s Wildest Year, will be published by Harper Collins on 23 April.