It may seem rather odd for me, one of the fairer sex, to say so – but one of the things I’m looking forward to most on the LMFF (L’Oreal Melbourne fashion festival) cultural program is ManStyle: an exhibition about all things menswear.
Why am I so enthused about an exhibition that’s neither about nor aimed at my gender? The National Gallery of Victoria exhibition will showcase men’s fashion from the eighteenth century to the present day, and in that there’s an element of historical fascination that goes beyond gender. Add to that how much of an influence menswear can be on womenswear (and personally I take inspiration from menswear quite regularly) and you have me there with bells on.
Finally with menswear being generally neglected over the more attention-grabbing shoes and frocks, it’s something of a coup to have a prominent cultural institution dedicate more than 8 months (March 11 – November 27, 2011) to showcasing it.
Image: National Gallery of Victoria
ManStyle at NGV is free to visit, and also stay tuned for details on special events as part of the exhibition.
5 to see: Rising 5 (14 Mar 2011)
