200 Years of Australian Fashion

This is the final weekend for the 200 Years of Australian Fashion exhibition at NGV Australia. It contains over 120 pieces from more than 90 designers that span two centuries of fashion in Australia. The exhibition was staged across four large rooms, with each one themed around a different era.

The late 1800s to early 1900s dresses were classic Victorian era designs with cinched in waists and large bustles and trains.

The 1950s salon was filled with some really beautiful dresses, and included a revolving platform in the middle surrounded by hanging mirrors.

The 1960s and 1970s styles on display ranged from mod A-line dresses to flowers and kaftans, with the emergence of Australiana elements in designs by Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson in the late 1970s and early 1980s. There was one room set up like a large 1980s fashion runway, with videos of different fashion shows from that era playing on the walls.

The last part of the exhibition featured works from contemporary Australian designers and demonstrated more of a minimalist design aesthetic. The final piece on display was a four meter tall dress by Dion Lee specifically commissioned for the exhibition, which was quite impressive to see in person.