The Krystyna Campbell-Pretty Fashion Gift Exhibition

Time is flying and I realised I have neglected my blog.  So I thought I would talk about an exhibition that is currently showing at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). 

Krystyna Campbell-Pretty supported the NGV back in 2015 to purchase a collection of amazing garments, collected by haute couturier Dominique Sirop,  from the 1890s through to the 1970s. The collection totalled of 130 pieces, designed by such famous designers, Worth, Chanel, McQueen, Balenciaga and Schiaparelli.  And even Laurent and Dior. 

Krystyna Campbell-Pretty helped the NGV with this acquisition of this collection, 

in the honour of her late husband, Harold Campbell-Pretty. 

When I visited this exhibition with a friend, we made the mistake of starting at the end of the exhibition. It turned out to be the correct decision, because we were seeing the garments in the chronically order, backwards.  So it felt like one was travelling back in time.  

The Exhibition is displayed amongst the permanent artefacts at the NGV.  It's an interesting way of displaying the garments, but it makes one aware of the other objects in the NGV collection. 

The exhibition begins in the 1890s.  I got such a thrill, seeing garments designed by the Worth clan. It was such a treat to see the details in these Worth garments up and close. 

Right:  Worth, Paris (couture house)
Jean-Philippe Worth (designer)
Day dress c1895



                                                                 

Felix, Paris (couture house)
Auguste Poussincau (designer)
Emile Poussincau (designer)
Dinner dress (1889)

   

Boue Socurs, Paris (couture house)
Madame Sylvie Montegut (designer)
Baroone Jeanne d'Etreillis (designer)
Romance, robe de style 1925 Autumn - Winter 1925 -26

Both garments
Worth, Paris (couture house)
Jean-Philippe Worth (designer)

Evening Dress c1912

 

Pierre Cardin, Paris (couture house)
Pierre Cardin (designer)
Dress 1969 spring-summer 1969

Alexander McQueen (designer)

Alexander McQueen (designer)

It is really worth visiting this amazing exhibition.  These photos are just a small selection of what to see.  I'm hoping to visit again, before it is packed away.


The Krystyna Campbell-Pretty Fashion Gift Exhibition
1st March - 14th July 2019
National Gallery of Victoria
180 St. Kilda Street
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Tickets: Free
Level 2

Super 70s A Fashion Exhibition

Super 70s A Fashion Exhibition
27 July - 4 November

Recently I visited the latest fashion exhibition at The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Rippon Lea Estate in Elsternwick, Melbourne. This time it's the fabulous 1970's.  To some people they care to forget the 1970's, with it's burnt orange and mission brown, but there was more to the 1970's than these two colours.

The exhibition looks at the 1970's in Melbourne with the use of fashion, images and music.  The costume exhibition has items by Prue Acton, Hilary Floyd, House of Merivale, and so on. I was pleasantly surprised by some of these fashion gems.  So if you want to go down memory lane to the 1970's.

Check here for all the details for the Super 70's A Fashion Exhibition.

Doctor Blake's Ballarat Exhibition

On the weekend I had the pleasure of attending a talk and see an exhibition to do with the Australian TV Show 'Doctor Blake Mysteries', starring Craig McLachlan and Nadine Garner. At the Gold Museum in Ballarat. 

The 2 hour talk , 'Behind the Seams' was an interview with costume designer, Louise McCarthy, and makeup and hair designer John Logue.  Hosted by Nicole Jenkins from Circa Vintage Clothing.

Louise McCarthy and John Logue

Louise McCarthy and John Logue talked about their training and career background. Both have been in the industry for many years. 

The audience heard fascinating insights on the process of designing an outfit for a character from beginning to end. I was amazed to hear that Louise and her team have around 6 weeks and John had a 2 week lead up.  Also to add more stress, two episodes are filmed at the same time.  

Louise explained where she may purchase original vintage fabrics or vintage clothing for the show.  I was amused to hear that I visit the same fabric shops as her self.  John talked about some of his techniques and tricks of the trade, to make sure the actor has the perfect hair silhouette. 

The 2 hour talk was a treasure to hear.  I felt very fortunate to hear these talented people who produce the world of Dr Blake.

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So after the talk, I and my friend ventured to the Doctor Blake Exhibition. It's a small exhibition, but it's worth it, if you are a fan of the TV Drama. 

I recommend visiting the Exhibition, if you can.  Details here for times, tickets etc. 

Doctor Blake's Ballarat Exhibition

11th April - 3rd September, 2017

The Gold Museum

Bradshaw Street

Ballarat, Victoria

Australia

Nightlife Exhibition

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is exhibiting a collection of fine dresses from the 1920's and 1930's, from it's personal collection.

Over 35 garments which illustrate the nightlife of the roaring 1920's and glamour of the 1930's will be displayed at the National Trust's property, Barwon Park Mansion near Geelong, Victoria.

Barwon Park Mansion

Nightlife Exhibition

4th January to 26 March 2016

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4pm

Barwon Park Mansion

https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/event/night-life/

Click here to go to web site

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Miss Fisher's Costume Exhibition

For those who have enjoyed watching the Australian TV series, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries starring Essie Davis. Fans of the series will have a chance to view gorgeous costumes from Season 3 at Rippon Lea House here in Melbourne, Australia.

Costume designer Marion Boyce takes the viewers back to the roaring 1920's with fabulous dresses, suits and even illustrate the process of costume design.

Miss Fisher's Costume Exhibition Series 3 started on May 1st and will go to the 30th of September, 2015 at Rippon Lea.  Click here for more details.

Armageddon Expo & Jean Paul Gaultier

This weekend and the up and coming weeks is a great opportunity to see some wonderful garments and costumes.

This weekend we have the annual Armageddon Expo here in Melbourne, Australia. The Expo is for all who have a passion in pop culture, science fiction, horror, comics, games and cosplay. These science fiction expos are a great opportunity for people who like to cosplay.  I hear you ask, what is cosplay?  Cosplay is short for 'costume play', people wear a particular costume to show off their passion for a character, such as dressing up as the Doctor from Doctor Who or dressing up as your favorite super hero or anime character.  I always look forward to seeing attendees who are in costume.  Always amazed at the creativity.  I hope to put some photos up after the weekend.

Click here to see more details about Armageddon at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

The National Gallery of Victoria is also giving Australians the opportunity to view the creative work from designer Jean Paul Gaultier with the exhibition: The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk.   He has designed garments for television, catwalk shows, stage, pop stars and films.  

I hear that the famous cone shaped bra/corset worn by singer Madonna will be there.  That I'm looking forward to.  I am also hoping there are costumes from the movie 'Fifth Element', one of my favorites from him. 

Click here to see more details about the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at The National Gallery of Victoria. 

Love Desire & Riches The Fashion of Weddings

I had the great pleasure recently visiting The Fashion of Weddings Exhibition at Rippon Lea House & Gardens in Melbourne. 

Rippon Lea built back in the 1800's is currently showing a fashion exhibition of wedding dresses. Some of the selection of dresses are from celebrities, fashion houses such as Valentino, Maticevski and Akira. Also a lovely selection of wedding dresses from BBC dramas and local Australian TV shows, Greek royality and from the National Trust of Australia costume collection.

Marianne Dashwood wedding dress - Sense & Sensibility, worn by actress Kate Winslet

Wedding Veils

Miss Havisham wedding dresses - Great Expectations,

worn by Gillian Anderson and Helen Bonham Carter

Wedding dresses worn by Kylie Minogue in 'Kath & Kim' and 'Neighbours'

Also in the gardens of Rippon Lea one can see the Mr. Darcy sculpture that has come all the way from the UK.

This exhibition finishes on 2nd of November, it really is a must to see. 

Polyester and Pantyhose Silhouettes of the ‘Sixties, fashion exhibition

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of listening to the delightful Nicole Jenkins from Circa Vintage, talk about fashion in the 1960's. Especially focusing on the fashion houses here in Melbourne and talking about some of the 1960's items, which she brought along to the talk.

The talk was part of the fashion exhibition Polyester and Pantyhose Silhouettes of the Sixties brought to you by The Gallery, Arts and Cultural Centre, at Brighton Town Hall.

Nicole Jenkins talk was full of some amazing facts, anecdotes and information. Miss Jenkins showed so much passion and knowledge about her interest in fashion throughout the decades. I so got a buzz, that I felt I was transported back to the 60's.

Also I had the thrill to view some original 1960's clothes, beautifully displayed in the exhibition. I just couldn't get over the colour, which just popped out and was defiantly eye candy for the 1960's enthusiast.

The Polyester and Pantyhose Silhouettes of the ‘Sixties, fashion exhibition finishes on the 28th of September, 2014.  Click here for details.