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Black In Fashion: From Mourning to Night

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

8 February - 24 August, 2008
Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Federation Square, Melbourne

Pioneered as a fashion item by Chanel in the 1920s but used as a symbol of mourning prior to its trendy graduation, the colour black has held a number of significant meanings over the course of the last century. Ebullient it's not, but Black in Fashion: Mourning to Night is an outstanding, albeit brief, exhibition that sees the evolution of the achromatic garment that's demonstrated considerable staying power over the years and has managed to eschew fashion's fickle nature.

Both salacious and subversive, a symbol of mourning and a modish sartorial statement, black has traversed emotions, made power statements and elicited sex appeal to become a diverse and inextricable part of vintage and contemporary fashion.

Positioning local design icons next to international greats, the National Gallery Victoria (NGV) creates a succinct who's who of couturiers throughout the decades and showcases a breathtaking range of garments that highlight what was en vogue at various times. Featuring vintage garb, '80s punk, '20s flapper and contemporary outfits, the story told by these wardrobe-fillers unfolds via public and private loans, the NGV's own Fashion and Textiles collection and a series of portraits that date from the 17th to the 20th century.

Set to the eclectic tunes of Eartha Kitt, Nick Cave, Ladytron and Visage, Black in Fashion: Mourning to Night is an absolute must-see for every fashion connoisseur who wants to take a little walk - or strut - on the dark side.

Penny Wedesweiler (10 February viewing)