Exploring the work of internationally renowned Australian fashion designer, Collette Dinnigan, the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences presents Collette Dinnigan: Unlaced exclusively at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum until August 2016.
Curated in collaboration with Dinnigan herself, the exhibition covers the designer’s 25 year career, featuring over 100 garments including her signature lingerie, bridalwear, ready-to-wear and resort collections, alongside striking signature lace and embellished designs and never-before-seen objects and accessories from her personal archive.
Presented in a series of strikingly themed sets, the scenes bring into focus Dinnigan’s unique creative perspective and craftsmanship, and highlight the romantic, feminine designs that have seen her work sought after by a star-studded clientele including Taylor Swift, Dita Von Teese and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Also featured is the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences’ own significant collection of Dinnigan garments – the largest such collection in the world.
“Collette Dinnigan: Unlaced is the first exhibition to be developed by the MAAS team as part of the newly created MAAS Centre for Fashion,” said Ms. Hiscock. “The Centre for Fashion puts creativity and design under the spotlight.”
“It is fitting that the first exhibition under the Centre for Fashion features one of Australia’s most celebrated fashion designers. Collette Dinnigan is a creative tour de force and an inspiration for future generations.”
MAAS and Dinnigan have collaborated with award-winning stage and costume designer and installation artist Anna Tregloan for production design and styling of the exhibition, immersing visitors in a dramatic catwalk presentation, and providing insight into Dinnigan’s creative process through a series of striking mood boards.
The thematic presentation explores Dinnigan’s romantic sensibility and her inspirations, which include film, music, photography, history, vintage ceramics, jewellery and fabrics as well as her choice of materials including tulle, chiffon and lace, combining in dresses and gowns that are made to accentuate the female form, providing a sense of confidence, sensuality and individuality.
Various celebrity outfits will also be dispersed throughout the exhibition, including stunning outfits worn by high profile women such as Nicole Kidman, Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie and Naomi Watts.
“Being involved in this exciting project has enabled the dynamic world of fashion and the disciplined curation of museums to fuse together,” says Collette Dinnigan. “I am honoured to showcase my collections, collaborating with the best designers and museum curators, bringing audiences in Sydney where it all began, ‘behind the scenes’ into the world of Collette Dinnigan.”
Collette Dinnigan: Unlaced
Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Streer, Ultimo (Sydney)
Exhibition continues to 28 August 2016
Entry fees apply
For more information, visit: www.maas.museum for details.
Image: Collette Dinnigan: Unlaced – photo by David Swift