Here at the Homespun office, we love fabric. All things considered, that probably isn’t surprising. So you can imagine how thrilled we were to hear about the National Gallery of Victoria’s upcoming exhibition, Lace in Fashion. Opening last Friday, the exhibit showcases a stunning selection of lace from the sixteenth through to the twentieth century.
Lace has a rich and diverse history, in fact reports suggest that objects similar to lace bobbins have even been found in Roman ruins! Officially, the fabric entered common use around the sixteenth century and its popularity soared. As Roger Leong, NGV Curator of International Fashion and Textiles noted, lace was fundamental to the changing fashions of the day.
"Lace was a textile that signified all that was luxurious, highly desirable and new. Throughout the twentieth century, lace has been the subject of many revivals and interpretations, always creating a symbol of elegance and occasion."
The exhibition goes a long way to contextualise the fabric. Dresses by Parisian couture houses Balmain and Beer will be on display alongside the lace, as well as garments and portraits representing how lace was used in fashionable dress. Contemporary use will also be catered for, as an outfit by contemporary Australian label MATERIALBYPRODUCT will be included to highlight the fabric’s role in modern fashion design. The 2008 design titled Semi punchout top and skirt features a stencil made from 1950s synthetic lace curtain which is shown in contrast to Gustav Beer’s Dress c.1912 with machine ace bodice covered with sheer silk chiffon.
With the focus on the fine handwork of needle lace and bobbin lace, the exhibition will include over 50 works from the NGV Collection and several loans. Having seen the NGV’s Collection first hand, I can only imagine how fabulous Lace in Fashion will be, so if you get a chance to visit NGV International, why not send me an email and let me know?
The exhibition runs from 23 July 2010 until 23 January 2011 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, open 10am-5pm, closed on Tuesdays. Admission is free.
For more information, visit the NGV website.
