Hello everyone, hope all is well in your part of the world.
Apologies for being missing in action last week but I have a really good excuse as I had the most wonderful couple of days in Melbourne. My main reason for the visit was the Westwood/ Kawakubo exhibition at the NGV . Originally this was planned as part of the road trip John and I had planned in early March but with Raffy’s accident everything was cancelled. With the end of the exhibition on April 19th. and Raffy’s excellent recovery we made the decision I should make a quick Melbourne trip and I am so pleased I did as it was one of the best exhibitions I have seen and over the years I have had the pleasure of experiencing quite a few .
I will admit to giving much thought to my outfit for the day keeping in mind that when I fly I try to keep my luggage as light as is possible for me. In the end I landed on an outfit that was a nod to both designers – my Rundholz tartan skirt ( Vivienne Westwood) paired with a black Comme de Garcon top (Rei Kawakubo),topped with a cropped leather jacket, red necklace , red, pink and black bangles and Trippen shoes. I also decided to wear a little hat that was made by Tasmanian milliner Susan McCarthur that received many admiring comments.
This dress was from Rei Kawakubo – Comme de Garcons was from the Bad Taste collection shown in Autumn/Winter 2008 in Paris.
The exhibition was so special for me as they are both my all time favourite designers with their ability to challenge the rules. They were born one year apart on different sides of the globe and are both self taught designers who have built powerful bodies of work that showcased their originality.
I couldn’t resist including this tartan kilt wearing gent in front of the Westwood Pirate collection from Autumn-Winter 1981 .
My photograph doesn’t really do these garments justice but the fabrics were simply beautiful , they were from CDG 2016 collection titled 18th. century Punk.Much of Rei’s work seen on the runway is pure fantasy reflecting her thoughts at the time .
I just loved the way the gallery displayed the Westwood Anglomania collection from Winter 1993-1994. The shoes known as Super Elevated Gillie with their 10-inch platform and heels are now infamous due to Naomi Campbells fall on a Paris catwalk in 1993. Apparently, the shoes were worn with latex tights that was made things slippery rather than the height of those heels , they are now on show at the V&A in London.
A selection of Comme de Garcons garments from several collections. There was also footage of the garments on the catwalk which I found very interesting as the different shapes and textures came to life.
Finishing up this post with a few of my favourite Vivienne Westwood garments , these remind me of 1940’s styles.
Vivienne Westwood was always an activist throughout her life and supported many worthy causes and was very involved in issues relating to climate change.
I hope you have enjoyed a peek at this exhibition through my eyes. I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition , not only the amazing garments from two exceptional and unique designers but also chatting with like minded souls . Both of the photos of my outfit were taken by total strangers who asked to take my photo and I then asked if they wouldn’t mind taking one with my phone.
Linking up with Gail from Is This Mutton for Tuesday Twirl.
We haven’t yet had a Westwood retrospective in London, so am hoping we might get this one! I loved her so much. You certainly did her credit with your outfit. That skirt!! Fabulous accessories as always. Have a good rest of week.
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Thank you so very much Gail , it was a wonderful celebration of both designers with many of the garments from the NGV’s own collection as well as others from other collections. I am surprised that there hasn’t been a retrospective in London. I was happy with my outfit for the day. Once again I so appreciate you taking the time and trouble to alert me about the comment section not appearing.
What a treat it was to join you on your visit to the Westwood/Kawakubo exhibition, Jill.
Those garments are absolutely stunning! xxx
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Thank you so very much Ann , so pleased you enjoyed my peak at the exhibition . The mix of garments over the years was quite something.
What a wonderful exhibition and your outfit was so right for it.
As Gail has said we certainly could do with a Westwood exhibition at the V&A perhaps.
But I wonder did we ever tell you that in June 24 Gail and I went to, I think it was, Sotheby’s in London where all Westwood’s personal clothes were up for sale. There were some prices that were nearly affordable (the jewellery) but most were way above what we could afford! And Jill, she was so tiny, I had no idea that she was that size as her outsize personality made me think she was tall. Even if I had the money I wouldn’t have been able to get into any of her clothes. But it was a great experience to see her own clothes. My word – what a way she had with her clothes. Those nipped in waists – just wonderful.
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Thank you so very much Penny , I so enjoyed the exhibition . I was rather pleased with my outfit and so pleased I wore the hat but was surprised that only a few others wore hats.
I do remember seeing your photos of Westwood’s personal clothes on display for the auction. I also had no idea she was tiny either , hopefully her clothes went to private collectors who admired her work. I agree those nipped in waists and corsets are wonderful.