Art deco: objets de mode
I’ve just been to the NGV’s ‘Art Deco 1910–1939′ exhibition and now my feet are killing me and my head is whirling with fabulous images of writing desks covered entirely in white gold, ray skin covered stools, enormous mirrored hotel entrances, pale green bakelite radio’s and sleek cigarette holders. Most mesmerising of all was footage of Josephine Baker performing in ostrich feathers, jewellery and little else. What a dame!
It’s not an exhibition about French art deco, but that title just sounds better in French. Art deco burst onto the scene in a huge way after the 1925 “Paris Exposition Internationale,” so you could argue that there is a strong link between art deco and French. Certainly some of the most influential fashion designers of the art deco period were French.
The exhibition is eminently worth going to. Included was a small but amazing collection of frocks and jewellery.
Taking photo’s of course is a no-no but thanks to the wonder of the interwebs, I’ve been able to track down a few of the frocks. Sadly the photo’s don’t do them justice. By the way, check out this incredible online shop, The Frock. I’m wondering how these vintage dresses could have lasted so well for so long, and how one store alone could have scored such a large collection. Are they for real? The prices are telling me “Oui, mon cheri, they are for real. Oooh la la, so expensive and so not for you. Goodbye.”
A Jeanne Lanvin purple satin stunner. The style is timeless. I could see this being worn today at the Oscars or Cannes or other grand event.
Jeanne Paquin
A Charles James gown, looking super shiny like a pair of American Apparel lame leggings, but in real life it is black satin.
Madeleine Vionnet, one of the most celebrated designers of the time. She’s credited with being the inventor of the bias cut and was apparently influenced by Greek art, which led to her creating a style of dress that flowed around the body.
Jean Patou. This dress took my breath away. The photo doesn’t show clearly the intricate beading which makes it appear that the material is in folds – an illusion!
Cloche
A stunning Madeleine Vionnet gown which wasn’t in the exhibition, but it’s so beautiful that I have to include it!
Hey, thanks putting these online! Do you know how hard it is to find a picture of that Black Charles James dress?? Saw it at NGV and am obsessed. Thanks!
Hi, can someone please tell me what NGV is? I’m interested! Thanks!
Hi Courtney, I know, the dress was an absolute stunner! The image just doesn’t do it justice. Imagine how you would feel if you could wear a gown like that….
Hi Michelle, the NGV is the National Gallery of Victoria. The website is http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/ngvinternational and if you haven’t visited it or been to Melbourne, I highly recommend a visit! And if you go, make sure you walk through the NGV’s Great Hall, to see the amazing 1960’s stained glass ceiling. Sadly, the art deco exhibition is over though!