A trip back in time to the birth of iconic designer fashions. What better reason for a day trip to Bendigo.
Modern Love: Fashion Visionaries from the FIDM Museum LA is now showing at the
Bendigo Art Gallery until February 2nd 2014, showcasing famous retro designs from the most influential designers from the 1980s and beyond. It's a visual feast for anyone with even a vague interest in fashion, from designers and artists to pop culture aficionados and people like myself: a teenager in the 80s who was affected by both the post-punk and 'new romantic 'essence of the time.
It was most rewarding therefore, as soon as in the door, to be met by a little tartan Vivienne Westwood number and a 'Bondage Ensemble' from Sex, the renowned London clothing store run by Westwood and Malcolm McLaren. Looking somewhat tame today, it still felt special to stand in front of an original look that has been so phenomenally influential.
The exhibition also contains the designers who have long since become household names. Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Issey Miyake, YSL, Versace, Valentino, Chanel, Dior, Moschino, to name a few. Beautifully displayed on headless mannequins in well-lit cases, from over-the-top haute couture gowns, to iconic punk T-shirts and Adidas High-top sneakers.
The exhibit spreads across two large rooms, each with a lot of information about the designers. Snippets of video footage on large screens also show specific fashions being modelled, some by renowned supermodels such as Claudia Schiffer. I also very much enjoyed the 80s pop tunes over the sound system that accompanied our viewing.
There is timed ticket entry to
Modern Love.. We went on the Saturday just before Christmas and it was not at all busy, but it could well be – and it should be - once its final days draw near. Really, the chance to see this collection outside its LA home should not be missed. The gallery also has several rooms of contemporary and traditional art that are worth checking out, as is the café where we sampled a nice array of teas and a lemon tart to die for.
You can get a VLine train to Bendigo from Melbourne; a comfortable journey of 1.5 to 2 hours depending on whether you get an express or not.
The Bendigo Art Gallery is at 42 View St, an easy stroll of around 10 minutes or less from the train station. Make a day of it like we did, and have a wander around. We enjoyed breakfast at a local café
T'hooft in Lyttleton Terrace, and a few doors down, a few delightful kitchen purchases at
Bendigo Wholefoods. After the gallery, a poke around in the antique shops across the road and - feeling fashion-inspired - some fabulous frock try-ons at
Julie's Vintage Clothing Boutique that also resides there.