party @ the ngv

disco disco party party

The 200 Years of Fashion exhibition at the Ian Potter Centre is about as far from your run-of-the-mill, historic gallery as you could possible go. As I entered each new room, I was taken into a new era of Australian fashion; with the level of finesse and attention to detail in each room's design, the distinctions of design and style in the clothes of each era were emphasised.

One thing the incredible atmosphere of the rooms certainly did was make me wish time travel was possible. From the beautiful simplicity of the fabrics and the intricate embroidery in the earlier period exhibits to the story-telling nature of the late 1900s and the current-day emphasis on shape and form, every room gave me a sense of nostalgia from times I have never even lived in. To me, the most enchanting aspect was the funky vibe from the 70s and 80s sections. Video footage of 70s runways put a smile on my face with groovy music and dancing models; so different from the runways of day. The 70s fashion world was colourful, it was diverse and the people seemed carefree, which made them all the more beautiful.

The Flamingo Park room also made an amazing impression. Here, the storytelling nature of fashion really played its part through the bold name, the intense colour blocking and intricately designed patterns depicting Australian stories. It was remarkable to me to see the artistic and creative confidence and independence of Kenny Kee and Linda Jackson. I admire their understanding of their own direction so much.

The hours I spent at the 200 Years of Fashion exhibition were 300% worth it. I'll definitely try to head over again before it closes at the end of July. Enjoy my photo diary!

http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/200-years-of-australian-fashion/

Love, Ingrid