Mourning to Night

Went to the Black in Fashion: Mourning to Night exhibition being run by the NGV. Due to the Ian Potter Centre being closest to Flinders Street Station, we went there first and oh my goodness. The clothing was fantastic. All of the pieces there were Australian items and were gorgeous, particularly the dress above, which was worn by a widow to her daughter's wedding.


The Ian Potter Centre is fantastic, in other thoughts. I love all of the angles and it's wonderfully sleek at the same time.


Loved this jacket (it was part of the collection at the centre). We then went on to the rest of the exhibition at the NGV. It was surprisingly small and surprisingly not much of a collection. There were a few nice items, but on the whole, the Australian ones were better. And the only accessory was a pair of Vivienne Westwood heels. No other black shoes, handbags, jewellery, hats, whatever. Rather disappointing, really.

But the art deco exhibition? Beyond amazing. And very crowded. But all of the items were stunning. There's a writing desk covered in white gold, gorgeous Lanvin dresses, a good amount of bakelite, lovely ceramics... There were only a couple of flapper dresses, but I guess not many of them have survived. The heavy amount of beading on fine mesh tends to weigh them down too much, especially if hung. The ultra-beaded dress that was on exhibit was stunning - Asian-style images beaded onto it, decorative hem, etc.